Head of a Man
mid-17th century
Medium
Black and red chalk with traces of white heightening
Dimensions
9 5/16 x 6 13/16 in. (23.6 x 17.3 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.833
Tags
Art Historical Context
This striking portrait, titled *Head of a Man*, was created by an anonymous Flemish artist in the mid-17th century. Executed in black and red chalk with delicate traces of white heightening, the drawing captures the subject’s thoughtful expression and textured features with remarkable sensitivity. At just over nine inches tall, the intimate scale invites close viewing, revealing the subtle layering of colors that brings warmth and depth to the face. In Flemish art of this period, such chalk studies were highly valued for their ability to convey lifelike presence and emotional nuance. The comb...