Study of a male head 1885

This 1885 oil painting, "Study of a Male Head," by the French artist Carolus-Duran, exemplifies the artist's mastery of capturing a likeness through subtle brushstrokes. The portrait depicts a young man with a somber expression, his eyes cast downward in contemplation. The artist's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and volume, highlighting the contours of the subject's face. The dark background emphasizes the figure and draws attention to the subtle nuances of expression in the subject's face, leaving the viewer with a sense of quiet contemplation.