Head of a man
1789
oil
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
1789
oil
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
This painting depicts the head of a man, rendered in oil paint. The subject is shown from the chest up, with his head turned slightly to the right. He has dark skin and short, curly hair. He wears a brown jacket over a white shirt, and his facial expression is neutral. The background of the painting is a warm, beige color, which provides a subtle contrast to the subject's dark skin and clothing. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and introspection. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes contrasts between light and dark, look up John Singleton Copley.
