Head of a Bearded Man
Anonymous, Bohemian, 14th century Bohemian
Not on view
Few medieval drawings survive. This refined and unusually well-preserved study was probably created at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV (r. 1355–78) in Prague. It was likely made for a model book rather than as a preliminary study for a painting. The bearded man with an intent gaze and portrait-like presence evokes a biblical patriarch, prophet, or apostle. The meticulous artist delicately outlined the figure with a fine pen and added modeling with the tip of a brush. Although working on a relatively small scale, he achieved a stunningly sculptural conception of form.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.