Study of a Head
ca. 1737
Medium
paper
Dimensions
176; 145
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
height 176 mm x width 145 mm
Art Historical Context
Charles Parrocel's *Study of a Head* (ca. 1737) is a delicate preparatory drawing on paper, measuring just 176 mm high by 145 mm wide—compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Created during the height of the French Rococo under Louis XV, this work exemplifies the meticulous sketch studies that artists like Parrocel (1688–1752) used to refine their command of anatomy and expression before tackling larger canvases. Parrocel, a prolific painter and engraver from a family of artists, was renowned for his dynamic battle scenes, equestrian subjects, and lively genre paintings infused with Rococo elegance and movement. This intimate head study likely served as practice for capturing human features with fluid lines and subtle modeling, showcasing his technical prowess on humble paper—a medium prized for its portability and immediacy in 18th-century ateliers. Such studies hold enduring significance as windows into an artist's process, revealing the groundwork behind grand compositions. In Parrocel's hands, this small gem highlights the Rococo fascination with naturalism and vitality, inviting us to appreciate the quiet artistry behind the spectacle of his more famous oils.
About the Artist
Charles Parrocel · 1688–1752
Known for his paintings of battles and hunts. He also painted a number of equestrian portraits, including that of Louis XV in 1724. Comment on works: Landscapes