Head of a Man (recto); Head of a Woman (verso) 1710 - 1720

Jonathan Richardson the Elder made this chalk drawing, "Head of a Man (recto); Head of a Woman (verso)," on paper at an unknown date. Portraits have long served as status symbols, and in eighteenth-century England, the rise of a wealthy middle class created a demand for images reflecting their elevated social standing. This head study, with its classical profile and careful attention to detail, speaks to the growing market for portraiture. Richardson was not just an artist but also an influential writer on art theory. His writings helped to shape the artistic tastes of his time. His emphasis on ideal beauty and decorum reflected the values of the artistic establishment. Understanding this drawing requires that we consider the economic, social and intellectual forces that shaped the art world. Art historians delve into period documents—letters, diaries, and sale catalogs—to understand more about the cultural meanings of artistic representation.