Artwork
Head of a Boy

Head of a Boy is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Edme Bouchardon. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Head of a Boy is a drawing created by Edme Bouchardon around 1740 using red chalk on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a young boy's profile, turned slightly towards the viewer, with a thoughtful expression. The artist captures the boy's features with a focus on his eyes and lips, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
Bouchardon employed soft, defined chalk strokes and subtle shading to render the boy's face and suggest the shape of his neck and collar. The red chalk on pale paper creates a warm tone, while the textured background adds depth to the image.








