Head of Saint Francis

About this work

This sketch shows a head turned slightly to the left, with loose, quick lines for the hair and beard. The eyes are downcast, and the mouth is closed. The paper is a pale blue-gray, and the artist used light strokes of red chalk for the lips and some shadows. The sketch feels unfinished, like a quick study rather than a polished work. The blue paper was common in Renaissance workshops for practice drawings. Next, look up Baroque to see how this sketch fits into that dramatic, expressive style.