Hoofd van jongen

About this artwork

Federico Barocci (c. 1526–1612), a master of the late Renaissance transitioning into the early Baroque, created *Hoofd van jongen* ("Head of a Boy a delicate drawing on paper measuring 255 mm high by 205 mm wide. This intimate study exemplifies Barocci's renowned skill in capturing human expression with soft, naturalistic modeling. Working primarily in Urbino, Italy, he produced numerous preparatory sketches like this one, often using chalk or ink to explore light, shadow, and emotion before committing to larger oil paintings. Barocci's drawings were pivotal in his process, blending Mannerist elegance with emerging Caravaggesque realism. His heads, such as this youthful boy's, reveal a tender sensitivity to anatomy and psychology, influenced by his study of Correggio and Raphael. Though small in scale, the work's fine lines and subtle tonal gradations highlight paper's versatility as a medium for Renaissance artists, allowing for quick yet profound explorations. This piece invites visitors to appreciate Barocci's innovative technique, bridging the idealized forms of the High Renaissance with the emotional depth of the Baroque. A gem for drawing enthusiasts, it underscores how such studies fueled some of the era's most evocative religious and portrait works.