Artwork
Study of a Man's Head with a Full Beard
Study of a Man's Head with a Full Beard is an ink 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
Study of a Man's Head with a Full Beard is a drawing created by Alphonse Legros in 1874, utilizing a combination of pen, brown ink, red chalk, and graphite. The work showcases a profile view of a man with a full beard, characterized by expressive lines and varied textures.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a bearded man in profile, facing left with his head tilted upward. His thinning hair and long, wavy beard are meticulously rendered. The drawing's focus on capturing the sitter's likeness reflects Legros's emphasis on portraiture and draftsmanship.
Technique & Style
Legros employed a range of techniques to achieve depth and texture. Smooth lines define the face, contrasting with the rough, expressive strokes of the beard. The interplay of pen, ink, chalk, and graphite creates a dynamic, energetic visual effect.
History & Provenance
Created in 1874, the drawing aligns with Legros's period of influence in the British etching revival after his relocation to London. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
While the drawing does not directly exemplify Romanticism (despite suggestive notes), it reflects Legros's broader engagement with traditional European artistic values of precise draftsmanship and expressive rendering.
Legacy
As part of Legros's oeuvre, the drawing contributes to his legacy as a multifaceted artist and educator, emphasizing the importance of technical skill in artistic practice.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
![Study of a Man's Head [recto], by Alphonse Legros](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/alphonse-legros--study-of-a-man-s-head-recto--745204b66df421ed-w320.webp)
