Head of a Nun
1896
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1896
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This pencil drawing depicts the head of a nun, her face tilted slightly downward. Her eyes are cast downward, and her head is covered with a hood that falls in soft folds around her face. The drawing is rendered in simple yet expressive lines, with subtle shading that adds depth to the subject's features. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, as if the nun is lost in thought. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of volume and texture, drawing the viewer's eye to the subject's face. To learn more about this technique, explore the works of artists who have mastered chiaroscuro.