Who painted Head of Caracalla?

Head of Caracalla was painted by Jean-Baptiste Greuze in 1768.

Where can I see Head of Caracalla?

Head of Caracalla is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Head of Caracalla?

Head of Caracalla is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Head of Caracalla

Jean-Baptiste Greuze , 1768

Head of Caracalla is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze. It dates from 1768 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1999.48
Credit line: Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund

About this work

Overview

This drawing is a study of the head of Caracalla, a Roman emperor. Created in chalk, it presents a close-up view of his face with a pronounced expression.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts Caracalla in a moment of intense emotion, likely as part of a narrative scene where he is rebuked by his father, Septimius Severus, for attempting to assassinate him. The facial expression conveys resentment and humiliation.

Technique & Style

The artist based the facial structure on a Roman portrait bust but adapted the expression to suit the dramatic context. This approach was characteristic of the artistic training of French artists in the late 18th century, who practiced drawing 'têtes d'expression' to capture subtleties of human emotion.