Artwork

Head of a bearded man

Head of a bearded man, by Benjamin West, 1738
Head of a bearded man, by Benjamin West, 1738

Head of a bearded man is a drawing by the Baroque artist Benjamin West. It dates from 1738 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Head of a bearded man is a drawing created by Benjamin West in 1738, currently part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the face of a bearded man, with the subject's expression and context left undefined, focusing attention on the portrayal of facial features and texture.

Technique & Style

The work employs loose, wavy lines and cross-hatching, a technique of layered, overlapping strokes, to achieve contrasting dark and light areas, resulting in a rough, textured appearance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1738 by Benjamin West, the drawing is now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, with visible signs of aging, including smudges and fading, evident on the paper.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Benjamin West

Artist

Benjamin West

Benjamin West (October 10, 1738 – March 11, 1820) was an American-born British painter who specialised in history painting, creating such works as The Death of Nelson, The Death of General Wolfe, the Treaty of Paris,…

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Head of a bearded man?

Head of a bearded man was painted by Benjamin West in 1738.

Where can I see Head of a bearded man?

Head of a bearded man is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Head of a bearded man?

Head of a bearded man is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Head of a bearded man?

Museum-quality prints of Head of a bearded man are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.