Who painted Head of a Young Man?

Head of a Young Man was painted by Gustav Heinrich Naeke in 1818.

Where can I see Head of a Young Man?

Head of a Young Man is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of a Young Man?

Head of a Young Man is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Head of a Young Man

Gustav Heinrich Naeke , 1818

Head of a Young Man is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Gustav Heinrich Naeke. It dates from 1818 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Head of a Young Man is a graphite drawing on wove paper, created by Gustav Heinrich Naeke around 1818. It portrays a young man's head in profile, characterized by a neutral expression and long hair framing his face.

Subject & Meaning

The subject's gaze is directed to the right, with a calm, unemotive facial expression. The focus is on capturing the individual's likeness in a subdued, naturalistic manner.

Technique & Style

Naeke employed graphite to achieve a nuanced range of values, contrasting dark facial shadows with lighter hair tones. The overall execution is marked by delicacy and restraint.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1818, the drawing's provenance and historical context beyond its creation date are not detailed in available information.

Context

The work aligns with the aesthetic sensibilities of the Romantic era, emphasizing subtle emotional depth and naturalistic representation.

Legacy

While not widely recognized as a landmark piece, it exemplifies early 19th-century portrait drawing techniques and the quieter aspects of Romantic portraiture.