Artwork
Head of a Young Man
Head of a Young Man 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
Head of a Young Man is a charcoal drawing executed in 1874 by Alphonse Legros. The work presents a half‑length study of a male sitter, rendered in monochrome on paper. It exemplifies Legros’s interest in drawing as a means of capturing the fleeting qualities of a face, and it reflects his broader practice that spanned painting, etching, sculpture and medal work.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows a young man with his eyes closed, his short hair suggested by swift, sketchy strokes. The closed eyes and softened features convey a moment of introspection or repose rather than a formal likeness. The study’s informal tone suggests the artist’s focus on exploring the play of light and shadow across the facial planes rather than documenting a specific individual.
Technique & Style
Legros employed loose, layered charcoal strokes, building tonal values through a combination of direct application and smudging.
Legros employed loose, layered charcoal strokes, building tonal values through a combination of direct application and smudging. The surface bears areas of scumbled texture, where the pigment is lightly brushed to create a velvety skin tone. This approach yields a delicate balance between defined contour and atmospheric softness, characteristic of rapid observational studies rather than finished portraits.
History & Provenance
Born in France, Legros settled in London in 1863 and became a pivotal figure in the British revival of etching. Created shortly after his establishment in Britain, the drawing reflects his teaching and practice at the Royal Academy. While specific ownership records are limited, the work remains associated with Legros’s oeuvre as an example of his drawing practice during his early British period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
