Where can I see Head of a Young Man in a Feathered Hat (so-called Self-Portrait)?

Head of a Young Man in a Feathered Hat (so-called Self-Portrait) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of a Young Man in a Feathered Hat (so-called Self-Portrait)?

Head of a Young Man in a Feathered Hat (so-called Self-Portrait) is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Head of a Young Man in a Feathered Hat (so-called Self-Portrait)

Head of a Young Man in a Feathered Hat (so-called Self-Portrait) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Head of a Young Man in a Feathered Hat is an etching on laid paper created by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, an Italian artist known for his work in various mediums, around 1646.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a young man with curly hair and beard, wearing a feathered hat, and is characterized by rough, expressive lines. The subject's serious expression and the informal style of the work suggest a spontaneous or observational portrait.

Technique & Style

The print showcases Castiglione's skill with etching, a technique involving the use of acid to carve lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The resulting image features textured, scratchy lines that convey a sense of immediacy.

History & Provenance

Castiglione, also known as Il Grechetto in Italy and Le Benédette in France, was a prominent figure in the Genoese school of painting and printmaking. His etchings, including this work, are notable for their innovative and expressive qualities.