Head of a Woman (1760–1815)
Original title: Head of a Woman
kurzbeschreibung
Created between 1760 and 1815, Francesco Bartolozzi's 'Head of a Woman' is a profile portrait of a woman with elaborately piled hair. The drawing is executed in red chalk on light paper and measures 22.2 x 14.1 cm.
Description
A female figure appears in profile. Her hair falls in carefully arranged curls and is held by a veil or headdress. A piece of drapery is visible at her neck and arm. The red chalk drawing on a light ground is dominated by red and brown tones. The light falls evenly across the image, without strong shadows, so that the face and hairstyle stand out clearly.
Context
Francesco Bartolozzi (1727–1815) was an Italian engraver and draughtsman who worked mainly in London and Lisbon. This sheet dates from the second half of his life, when he turned more toward painting and drawing. Head studies of this kind often served as models for prints or as practice sheets in the studio.
Impact
The detailed yet delicate linework gives the hair and face an almost physical presence. The warm red tones of the chalk create a calm, familiar mood that draws the viewer in directly.
Technique
The work is executed in red chalk, also known as sanguine, on light paper. This material allows soft shading and gentle contours, which are used for the delicate rendering of the facial features and hair. The handling reveals a sure hand and an accurate eye.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)