Two Sketches of Heads (recto); Two Sketches of Draped Woman (verso) c. 1600

This drawing, "Two Sketches of Heads," of unknown date, by an anonymous artist, captures your attention with its sanguine strokes on paper. The composition, seemingly simple, presents two heads, each a study in form and expression. Notice how the artist uses line—delicate yet assertive—to define the contours and volume. The hatching technique creates a sense of depth, bringing a sculptural quality to the two-dimensional surface. The reddish-brown hue unifies the sketches, imparting warmth and immediacy. There is no attempt to fill the space completely; the untouched paper becomes part of the composition. These sketches invite us to consider the act of drawing itself. They are not mere representations but records of an artist's exploration of shape, light, and shadow. It’s a meditation on how minimal gestures can convey complex forms, inviting ongoing interpretation.