Artwork

Head of a Man

Head of a Man, by Hubert Robert, graphite, 1760
Head of a Man, by Hubert Robert, graphite, 1760

Head of a Man is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Hubert Robert. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Head of a Man is a graphite drawing on laid paper created by French artist Hubert Robert around 1760.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a man's head in a contemplative pose, turned slightly to his right, with curly short hair and a thin face. Simple lines and shading convey a sense of depth and volume, evoking a quiet, introspective mood.

Technique & Style

Robert's use of graphite on laid paper showcases his attention to detail and compositional skill, characteristic of his early work. The drawing's subtle shading and linework create a nuanced representation of the subject.

Context

Although Robert is known for landscapes and capricci featuring ruins, this drawing demonstrates his skill in portraiture and attention to detail, reflecting his artistic abilities beyond his typical genre.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hubert Robert

Artist

Hubert Robert

Hubert Robert (French pronunciation: ; 22 May 1733 – 15 April 1808) was a French painter in the school of Romanticism, noted especially for his landscape paintings and capricci, or semi-fictitious picturesque depictions of ruins in Italy…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.