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Head of a Man Looking Up

Pietro Antonio Novelli

1774

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Head of a Man Looking Up is a 1774 ink by Pietro Antonio Novelli, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Pietro Antonio Novelli
When & what style?: 1774 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing depicts a man's head, gazing upwards with his mouth slightly open. The artist's use of pen, brown ink, and white chalk on ochre prepared paper creates a striking contrast between light and dark. The subject's features are rendered in bold lines, with a focus on the contours of his face and the texture of his hair. A closer look reveals the intricate details of the drawing, including the subtle shading and hatching that add depth and dimension to the subject's features. The artist's skillful use of light and shadow creates a sense of volume and weight, drawing the viewer's eye to the subject's face. For more works by artists who explored the human form through expressive lines and shading, explore the Romanticism movement.