Head of a man with thick curly hair in profile to the left
Original title: Head of a man with thick curly hair in profile to the left
kurzbeschreibung
A man with a full head of curly hair appears in profile, facing left. Wenceslaus Hollar made this etching between 1644 and 1652, working from a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci.
Description
The head turns to the left, and the hair is built from many dense, wavy lines that give it volume and a soft surface. The forehead stands out clearly, the nose is broad, the chin strong. Something pensive and serious settles in the expression. Because the background stays empty, attention goes entirely to the head.
Context
Hollar based the print on a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, as an inscription at the lower right notes. He made it between 1644 and 1652, during his years in England, and was known for reproductive prints after works by major artists.
Impact
Fine lines and hatching lend the sheet a precise yet lively feel. The blank background and the focus on a single head create a quiet, inward mood.
Technique
Hollar worked in etching, and this sheet is the first of two states. The plate measures 13 × 8.2 cm; the paper has been trimmed by about 3 mm in width. The technique shows in the fine, controlled lines and characteristic strokework.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)