Hoofd van man met baard

About this artwork

…; from the dealer De Beer Fine Arts, London, fl. 300, to the museum, with support from the F.G. Waller fonds, 1956

Art Historical Context

**Hoofd van man met ba** *Bonifazio Veronesec. 1487–1553)* *Paper, h 207mm × w 152mm* Behold *Hoofd van man met ba* ("Head of a Man with Beard"), a delicate drawing on paper by Bonifazio Veronese, a prominent Venetian Renaissance painter active in the early 16th century. This intimate study captures the rugged features of a bearded man, a preparatory sketch for one of Veronese's larger compositions. At just 207mm by 152mm, it exemplifies the artist's skill in rendering human expression with economical lines, a hallmark of Renaissance draftsmen who valued such works for exploring anatomy and character before committing to canvas. Bonifazio, influenced by masters like Titian and Giorgione, contributed to Venice's vibrant artistic scene, blending realism with poetic light. Drawings like this were prized in workshops for training apprentices and refining ideas, offering a window into the creative process of the era. Though modest in scale, its survival highlights the enduring appeal of Veronese's sensitive portraiture amid the grandeur of High Renaissance oil paintings. Acquired in 1956 from De Beer Fine Arts in London with support from the F.G. Waller fonds, this piece enriches our collection, connecting visitors to the tactile world of Renaissance studies and the meticulous craft of Venetian artistry.

About the Artist

Bonifazio Veronese · 1487–1553

Italian painter who may have worked in the studio of Palma Vecchio. His works ca. 1528 reflect the influence of the contemporary Venetian style, as well as older masters such as Bellini and Giorgione. His paintings began to depart from the traditional styles after 1528, employing more dynamism and narrative interest. In 1529 he was commissioned to execute wall paintings for the Palazzo dei Camerle...