Bearded Man Seated at Table
1650/59
Medium
Red chalk on tan laid paper, laid down on ivory wove paper
Dimensions
18.9 × 23.3 cm (7 1/2 × 9 3/16 in.)
Classification
chalk
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
81645
Art Historical Context
In the tranquil intimacy of the Art Institute of's Prints and Drawings collection *Bearded Man Seated at*, a masterful drawing by the Italian Baroque artist Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, 1591–1666). Created between 1650 and 1659, during his mature years leading the Bolognese school in Bologna this work captures a bearded figure in quiet repose at a table. Measuring a modest 18.9 × 23.3 cm, its scale invites close contemplation, evoking the personal studies artists kept in their studios. Rendered in red chalk on tan laid paper—later laid down on ivory wove paper for preservation—Guerc...
About the Artist
Guercino · 1591–1666
Son of a laborer who transported wood. He was called Guercino (squinter), because he was cross-eyed or had a squint in his right eye. Reputedly self-taught early, then an apprentice in the shop of Benedetto Gennari. Patrons included the papal legate at Ferrara and the Archbishop of Bologna. He developed a classical style later in his career. After the death of Guido Reni, Guercino was the leading ...