Head of a Saint (profile to the right), after Fra Angelico
Original title: Head of a Saint (profile to the right), after Fra Angelico
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas drew the head of a saint in profile facing right, guided by a work by Fra Angelico. The study is executed in black chalk on pink-beige paper, accented with white heightening. The sheet measures 23 x 10.6 cm and bears no date.
Description
A bearded head with long hair falling to the neck appears in profile to the right. A circular halo hovers above the forehead, marking the figure as a saint. Crisp contours and the strong contrast between dark chalk strokes and white lights define the detailed drawing. A plain, neutral ground allows the head to step fully into the foreground.
Context
As a copy after a work by the Italian Renaissance painter Fra Angelico, this drawing attests to Degas's thorough engagement with the Old Masters. In the 19th century, such copies were part of artistic training and served to confront historical models. Degas produced numerous similar studies in which his appreciation of 15th-century Italian art comes to the fore. No exact date of creation is recorded, but the work takes its place within his drawn oeuvre.
Impact
The contrast of dark areas and light heightenings, together with precise linework, gives the sheet a concentrated expressive power. The restrained color and neutral background create a calm, almost meditative atmosphere. The halo and profile view evoke a sacred mood that immerses the viewer in the religious pictorial tradition.
Technique
The drawing is executed in black chalk on pink-beige paper, whose warm tone serves as a ground. White heightenings set targeted accents to bring out light and details such as the facial features. The interplay of chalk and white allows precise modeling and lively contrast.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)