Artwork

Man Leaning on a Rail [verso]

Man Leaning on a Rail [verso], by Matteo Rosselli, chalk, 1614
Man Leaning on a Rail [verso], by Matteo Rosselli, chalk, 1614

Man Leaning on a Rail [verso] is a chalk drawing by the Renaissance artist Matteo Rosselli. It dates from 1614 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Man Leaning on a Rail [verso] is a red chalk drawing on laid paper created by Italian artist Matteo Rosselli in 1614. It showcases the artist's skill in figure drawing, a skill that complemented his work on large-scale historical compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a single male figure in a relaxed pose, wearing a hat, jacket, and cloak. His calm facial expression and bent arm resting on a railing convey a sense of serenity.

Technique & Style

Rosselli used red chalk to achieve a sense of depth and texture. The detailed rendering of the railing and clothing creates a lifelike impression, characteristic of his figure drawing skills.

Context

This work is part of Rosselli's oeuvre during the late Counter-Mannerist and early Baroque periods, reflecting his contribution to the artistic developments of that time in Florence.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Matteo Rosselli

Artist

Matteo Rosselli

Matteo Rosselli (10 August 1578 – 18 January 1650) was an Italian painter of the late Florentine Counter-Mannerism and early Baroque. He is best known however for his highly populated grand-manner historical paintings.

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