Artwork

Head of a Man

Head of a Man, by Domenico Campagnola, ink, 1532
Head of a Man, by Domenico Campagnola, ink, 1532

Head of a Man is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Domenico Campagnola. It dates from 1532 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Head of a Man is a drawing created by Domenico Campagnola in 1532 using pen and brown ink on laid paper.

Technique & Style

The drawing features rapid, expressive lines and cross-hatching, a technique used to build up shading and texture through layered strokes. The result is a loose, sketchy representation of a man's face and shoulders.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted with minimal detail, suggesting the work may be a preparatory study for a larger composition. The folds of his clothing and the shape of his hair are indicated, but not fully defined.

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.