Head of a Bearded Man
1564–1644
Medium
Black chalk and traces of white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions
4-1/4 x 3-5/16 in. (10.8 x 8.4 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Harry G. Sperling, 1971
Accession Number
1975.131.223
Tags
Art Historical Context
Francisco Pacheco's *Head of a Bearded* (ca. 1564–1644) is a intimate drawing that captures the essence of portraiture in Spain's Golden Age. Rendered in black chalk with subtle traces of white on blue paper, this modest 4-1/4 x 3-5/16-inch study exemplifies Pacheco's skill in quick, expressive sketches. As a master of Seville's artistic scene, Pacheco often produced such heads as preparatory works for larger paintings, honing his observation of human features with economical lines and tonal modeling. The blue prepared paper enhances the dramatic contrast, allowing the black chalk to define d...