Bust of a Man
1892
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1892
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The painting shows a man from the shoulders up, with a big nose and expressive eyes. He's set against a plain background. The artist used simple means to draw attention to the man's face, which is interesting because it shows how much can be conveyed with just a few lines and shading. This sketch is a good example of an artist using simplicity to create a strong portrait. Look up the technique of sfumato to see more examples of artists using subtle shading to create depth.