Who painted Head of a Man with Curly Hair and Beard?

Head of a Man with Curly Hair and Beard was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Head of a Man with Curly Hair and Beard?

Head of a Man with Curly Hair and Beard is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of a Man with Curly Hair and Beard?

Head of a Man with Curly Hair and Beard is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Head of a Man with Curly Hair and Beard

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Head of a Man with Curly Hair and Beard is a graphite 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

Head of a Man with Curly Hair and Beard is a graphite drawing on laid paper created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. The artist, originally from France, had established himself in Britain by this time.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a bearded man in profile, with curly hair and beard dominating the composition. The loose, expressive lines convey a sense of movement and emotion, suggesting the artist's focus on capturing the subject's character.

Technique & Style

Legros employed quick, loose graphite lines to render the subject's hair and beard, creating a textured, dynamic effect. The use of faint shading adds depth and suggests the shape of the subject's features, while the laid paper's texture contributes to the overall visual quality.

Context

The drawing's emphasis on expressive lines and emotional content reflects the influence of Romanticism, an artistic movement that prioritized feeling and mood over strict realism. Legros's work was part of a broader artistic landscape in late 19th-century Britain.