1623
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Head of Christ is a 1623 chalk by Guido Reni, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a close-up of a face turned slightly to the side, with long, wavy hair framing it. The lines are loose and quick, made with chalk in shades of black, red, and white. The paper has a rough, gray-green background, and the drawing looks unfinished, with some areas barely marked. The artist used light and shadow to give the face a three-dimensional feel, even though it’s just a study. This kind of sketch was often used to practice expressions or anatomy before painting. Next, look up sfumato to see how artists like this used soft blending.
Guido Reni was an Italian Baroque painter, although his works showed a classical manner, similar to Simon Vouet, Nicolas Poussin, and Philippe de Champaigne.
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