Untitled (Head of an Old Man with a Long Beard)
Gaetano Gandolfi
Description
*Gallery Rotation Winter 2011 (January 2011)
Artist Unknown
Italy, 1600–1700
Head of an Old Man with a Beard
17th century
Charcoal and ink wash on paper
Gift from the Joseph F. McCrindle Collection in memory of Frederick A. den Broeder, 2009/1.496
The high degree of finish and powerful sculptural quality of this older man’s head, achieved through dramatic contrasts of light and dark, suggest that this drawing may have been a study for a painting. Although the head has no specific attributes that provide an identity for the figure, balding middle-aged men with long beards were often used as models for Old Testament prophets, apostles, and saints.
Gallery Rotation Winter 2011
Artist Unknown
Italy, 1600–1700
Head of an Old Man with a Beard
17th century
Charcoal and ink wash on paper
Gift from the Joseph F. McCrindle Collection in memory of Frederick A. den Broeder, 2009/1.496
The high degree of finish and powerful sculptural quality of this older man’s head, achieved through dramatic contrasts of light and dark, suggest that this drawing may have been a study for a painting. Although the head has no specific attributes that provide an identity for the figure, balding middle-aged men with long beards were often used as models for Old Testament prophets, apostles, and saints.
Subject Matter:
The high degree of finish and powerful sculptural characterization of this older man’s head, achieved through dramatic chiaroscuro effects of light and dark, suggest that this drawing may have been a study for a painting. Although the head has no specific attributes to provide an identity for the figure, balding middle-aged men with long beards were often used as models for Old Testament prophets, apostles or perhaps a saint.
Gaetano Gandolfi was a sucessful Bolognese artist known for his figural drawing and sculpture during the mid-late 18th c.
Physical Description:
This sheet is dominated by the head of an old man with a voluminous beard, seen in 3/4 view, with head turned to the figure's left. Grey tones dominate the drawing, and the suggestion of the man's hunched shoulders in the background increases the sense that he is leaning his head towards the viewer.
Usage Rights:
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.