
Read the visual description
This is a drawing of a classical sculpture's head. The drawing features the head of a bearded figure rendered in grayscale, conveying three-dimensional depth through shading and highlights. The hair and beard are intricately detailed with curling strands. The face carries a serene and noble expression with prominent brow ridges and a straight nose. The eyes are hollow, characteristic of sculptural representations, enhancing the classical aesthetic of the piece. The attention to detail and smooth transitions in shading suggest it might be a study of an ancient statue.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
Antique Bearded Head
John Flaxman
- Medium
- brush and gray ink with gray wash
- Dimensions
- overall: 20.1 x 15.2 cm (7 15/16 x 6 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 1980.45.515
- Credit line
- Rosenwald Collection
- Time span
- 1751 to 1775
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- British
- male
- figure
- Head
NGA object ID 58223. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.