Artwork
Head of a Bearded Man Looking to Lower Left (Nicodemus)
Head of a Bearded Man Looking to Lower Left (Nicodemus) is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Federico Barocci. It dates from 1590 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1590 by the Italian painter Federico Barocci, this oil work portrays a solitary male figure with a bald head and dense beard. The composition is minimal, set against an unadorned background that isolates the sitter. Barocci’s placement of the gaze toward the lower left and the subtle illumination give the portrait a quiet, introspective tone.
Subject & Meaning
The figure has traditionally been identified as Nicodemus, the biblical Pharisee who visited Christ after the crucifixion. The downward, leftward glance suggests contemplation or humility, aligning with the saint’s scriptural role as a seeker of hidden truth. Barocci’s rendering emphasizes personal expression rather than overt narrative, inviting viewers to consider the inner life of the subject.
Technique & Style
Barocci employs a refined chiaroscuro, using soft transitions between light and shadow to model the face in near‑three‑dimensional form.
Barocci employs a refined chiaroscuro, using soft transitions between light and shadow to model the face in near‑three‑dimensional form. Smooth brushstrokes blend the luminous highlights on the cheek with deep shadows beneath the jaw, creating a tactile sense of flesh. The plain backdrop functions as a neutral field that accentuates the subtle tonal variations and the figure’s psychological presence.
History & Provenance
The painting originates from Barocci’s central‑Italian workshop, where he was a leading figure bridging the High Renaissance and emerging Baroque sensibilities. Though specific ownership records are sparse, the work has been catalogued among Barocci’s late oeuvre and is referenced in several 17th‑century inventories of Italian collections, confirming its attribution and dating to the artist’s mature period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Federico Barocci (also written Barozzi) (c. 1535 – 30 September 1612) was an Italian Renaissance painter and printmaker. His original name was Federico Fiori, and he was nicknamed Il Baroccio. His work was highly…
