Artwork
Head of a Man with a Cap
Head of a Man with a Cap is a charcoal drawing by the Renaissance artist Italian 16th Century. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work is a charcoal drawing accented with white highlights, portraying a man wearing a cap.
About this work
Overview
The work is a charcoal drawing accented with white highlights, portraying a man wearing a cap. The figure’s head is turned slightly to the left, his gaze directed downward, and his shoulder‑length hair is split in the middle. A muted light‑brown ground provides a gentle contrast to the darker tones of the cap and clothing.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures a moment of introspection; the subject’s lowered eyes and thoughtful expression suggest quiet contemplation. The simple composition, devoid of background detail, focuses attention on the individual’s facial features and the subtle play of light, inviting viewers to consider the inner life of the sitter.
Technique & Style
Executed in charcoal, the artist builds form through layered strokes, using white highlights to model the face and cap, creating a sense of volume. The contrast between deep charcoal shadows and the bright accents produces depth, while the restrained palette and minimal background emphasize the drawing’s tonal subtlety and the immediacy of the medium.
Artist & collection
Artist
An anonymous 16th-century Italian sculptor left a handful of small bronzes in dark brown and gilt.
