To mandshoveder: et ældre skægget og et yngre 1671 - 1749

Donato Creti created this drawing with pen and brown ink wash on paper. Two heads are aligned vertically, which immediately suggests a dualistic structure. The upper figure, an older, bearded man, contrasts sharply with the youthful, clean-shaven one below. Creti employs line weight and density to differentiate the figures; the elder's face is heavily shadowed with dense, cross-hatched lines that add depth and convey a sense of age and experience. In contrast, the younger face is rendered with delicate lines and minimal shading. This juxtaposition isn't just about age; it delves into ideas about the passage of time and transformation. The older man's downward gaze implies introspection, while the younger's upward tilt perhaps indicates hope or aspiration. Ultimately, the power of this drawing lies in its formal contrasts, prompting reflections on mortality, generational divides, and the cyclical nature of life itself.