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.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.