Head of a Man

About this work

This sketch shows a man’s face in profile, turned slightly toward us. His hair is pulled back, and his neck is wrapped in a high collar. The artist used only black chalk on light paper, leaving the background plain. Shadows define his cheekbones and jaw, giving his face a three-dimensional look. The loose, sketchy lines suggest this was a quick study, not a polished work. The artist focused on capturing light and shadow to show texture in the hair and skin. Look up chiaroscuro to see how this technique works in other drawings.