Who painted Head of a fiend?

Head of a fiend was painted by Forbes-Robertson in 1850.

Where can I see Head of a fiend?

Head of a fiend is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Head of a fiend

Head of a fiend is a drawing by Forbes-Robertson. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1850, the drawing titled Head of a Fiend is a study in profile that resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Executed in pen and ink, the work captures a single, expressive head with an emphasis on gesture and texture rather than finished detail, reflecting the artist’s exploratory approach.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a side view of a face framed by disheveled, tangled hair. The eyes are rendered with a sharp, alert line, while the mouth is slightly ajar, suggesting a moment of speech or surprise. The exaggerated, almost grotesque features hint at a character meant to convey heightened emotion or a fantastical persona.

Technique & Style

The drawing relies on rapid, overlapping strokes to model form, especially in the hair where dense cross‑hatching builds shadow and volume. Loose, sketchy lines dominate the composition, giving the piece a spontaneous, unfinished quality typical of preparatory studies. The use of layered lines demonstrates how tonal variation is achieved without shading washes.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the British artist Forbes‑Robertson, the work dates to the mid‑nineteenth century, a period when the artist produced numerous figure studies. It entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection as part of its holdings of 19th‑century drawings, where it remains accessible for research and public display.