Artwork

Head of a Boy

Head of a Boy, by Edme Bouchardon, chalk, 1740
Head of a Boy, by Edme Bouchardon, chalk, 1740

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.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.