Artwork
Bust of a Woman (recto); Head of a Man, Two Studies of a Woman's Profile, and a Study of An Angel (verso)
Bust of a Woman (recto); Head of a Man, Two Studies of a Woman's Profile, and a Study of An Angel (verso) is a drawing by the Renaissance artist Benozzo Gozzoli. It dates from 1458 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1458, this double‑sided drawing is attributed to Benozzo Gozzoli, a Florentine artist who trained under Fra Angelico.
Created circa 1458, this double‑sided drawing is attributed to Benozzo Gozzoli, a Florentine artist who trained under Fra Angelico. The recto presents a single female profile rendered in delicate line, while the verso contains a male head, two additional female profiles, and a brief study of a winged figure, possibly an angel. The work exemplifies Gozzoli’s interest in portraiture and preparatory studies.
Subject & Meaning
The primary image on the front depicts a woman in profile, her hair gathered under a simple headband and her neckline rendered with minimal detail. The reverse side includes a loosely drawn male head, two more female profiles, and a tentative angelic figure, suggesting the artist was experimenting with a range of human and celestial forms for later compositions.
Technique & Style
Executed in fine pen and ink on paper, the drawing displays the precise, decorative line work associated with the International Gothic style that Gozzoli absorbed from his master. Some strokes remain intentionally rough, indicating a practice of sketching basic shapes before refinement. The paper bears a pinkish tint that has faded with age, giving the surface a worn appearance.
History & Provenance
The drawing entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is currently conserved. Its attribution to Gozzoli rests on stylistic parallels with his documented frescoes, particularly the emphasis on naturalistic detail and the elegant treatment of facial features.
Context
During the mid‑15th century Gozzoli was active in Florence, contributing to major fresco cycles such as the Magi Chapel in the Palazzo Medici‑Riccardi. This drawing reflects the preparatory practices of Renaissance workshops, where artists produced multiple studies to inform larger mural projects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Benozzo Gozzoli (pronounced ; born Benozzo di Lese; c. 1421 – 4 October 1497) was an Italian Renaissance painter from Florence. A pupil of Fra Angelico, Gozzoli is best known for a series of murals in the Magi Chapel of…
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