Who painted Head of a Man with a Skullcap?

Head of a Man with a Skullcap was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Head of a Man with a Skullcap?

Head of a Man with a Skullcap is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of a Man with a Skullcap?

Head of a Man with a Skullcap is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Head of a Man with a Skullcap

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Head of a Man with a Skullcap is a charcoal drawing by the Romanticist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1874, this drawing by Alphonse Legros portrays a male sitter in profile, his head covered by a simple skullcap. Executed on laid paper, the work combines charcoal wash with white highlights to render the figure in muted tones, set against a darkened background that isolates the face.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures a contemplative moment, the sitter’s gaze directed inward as if lost in thought. The restrained expression and modest headwear suggest an ordinary individual rather than a formal commission, inviting viewers to consider the quiet interiority of the figure.

Technique & Style

Legros employed a wash over charcoal, building layers of gray before applying selective white accents to model light and shadow. The chiaroscuro treatment creates a sense of volume, while the laid paper’s texture subtly influences the tonal variations, resulting in a balanced, expressive rendering.

History & Provenance

Born in France and later based in London, Legros became a central participant in the British etching revival of the late nineteenth century. This drawing reflects his interest in graphic portraiture during his London period, illustrating the cross‑national influences that shaped his practice.