Artwork
Bust of an Old Man
Bust of an Old Man is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze. It dates from 1763 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jean‑Baptiste Greuze, the French painter active in the mid‑18th century, produced a drawing titled *Bust of an Old Man* circa 1763. Executed on light‑brown laid paper, the work presents a solitary, half‑length portrait of an elderly male figure, rendered with careful attention to facial detail and expression.
Technique & Style
The drawing is composed of red, black, and white chalks applied with stumping and selective erasure, creating delicate gradations of tone. These methods allow Greuze to model the features subtly, achieving a sense of volume and depth. A later addition of a dark brown ink line frames the image, delineating its borders.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is an unnamed old man, depicted in a realistic, unidealized manner that reflects Greuze’s interest in everyday humanity. The emphasis on age, texture of skin, and contemplative gaze suggests a study of character and the passage of time rather than a specific narrative.
History & Provenance
Created around 1763, the drawing remains a testament to Greuze’s draftsmanship during his early career. The later framing ink indicates that the sheet was once mounted or displayed, though details of its ownership history are not recorded in the available sources.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Baptiste Greuze (French pronunciation: , 21 August 1725 – 4 March 1805) was a French painter of portraits, genre scenes, and history painting.
