Two studies for a female head 1528 - 1612

Federico Barocci made these studies for a female head using black chalk on paper. Chalk is a humble material, derived from stone, ground and mixed with a binder. It allows for a directness, a softness of line that you can see especially in the face of the figure on the right. Barocci's skilled use of chalk is evident in the subtle gradations of tone and the delicate rendering of the woman's features. The drawing has a sensitivity that's remarkable, and this comes from the artist's intimate relationship with the material. The marks are immediate, responsive to the slightest pressure. Note how quickly Barocci was able to capture the fall of light on the subject’s face. You can almost feel the artist’s hand moving across the page. It’s important to remember that even a seemingly simple drawing involves a whole tradition of knowledge, of how to prepare the chalk, how to sharpen it, how to hold it just so. In the end, this knowledge and these materials all contribute to the artwork's evocative power.