Study of the head of an old man
1610
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
About the artist
Artist
Isaac Oliver
Isaac Oliver was an English portrait miniature painter.
See the richer artist page1610
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Study of the head of an old man is a 1610 by Isaac Oliver, a Baroque work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This drawing shows the head of an old man. He's looking down, and his face is lined with age. The artist used simple lines to create a sense of depth and texture, which is interesting because it was done with basic drawing tools. The artist was experimenting with different techniques to create detailed drawings. He wanted to show that drawing could be a standalone art form, not just a step in creating paintings. You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique of cross-hatching.
A small drawing by Isaac Oliver from 1610 depicts the head of an elderly man, with a second figure’s profile faintly visible in the background to the left. The work exemplifies Oliver’s practice of using drawing as an independent art form, employing varied materials such as pen, ink, and wash. The composition reflects influences from earlier studies, particularly those associated with Leonardo da Vinci, though likely mediated through contemporary print sources. The drawing entered public collections through the R. H. Stephenson bequest, having previously belonged to Earl Spencer and Lord…
Read the full account in the museum source.
Isaac Oliver was an English portrait miniature painter.
See the richer artist page
