Female Head Upturned 1654 - 1719

Giovan Gioseffo dal Sole made this drawing, titled Female Head Upturned, using black, red, and white chalk on paper. Sole's selection of chalk as a medium is critical to understanding this piece, setting the stage for his artistic process. Chalk, with its soft, earthy composition, allows for a direct and immediate connection between the artist's hand and the paper. Notice how Sole utilized black chalk to define the contours of the face, hair, and neck, creating depth through subtle gradations of tone. Touches of red chalk are used to enliven the cheeks and lips, lending warmth to the subject's complexion. And the white chalk is skillfully employed to capture the highlights and luminous qualities of the skin. Although seemingly effortless, the skillful layering of chalk requires considerable technical expertise. Sole's deliberate choices emphasize the importance of material and making in the final work. It reminds us to look beyond the artwork itself, and to appreciate the processes and traditions that give it meaning.