Bust of a Bearded Figure 1515 - 1524

Andrea Solario's "Bust of a Bearded Figure" is a charcoal drawing executed between 1515 and 1524, just a few years before the artist's death in 1524. The drawing, which is currently part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City, depicts a close-up of a bearded figure, possibly a portrait study or a depiction of Christ. The artist uses delicate, yet expressive lines to capture the figure's features, emphasizing the depth of the eyes and the fullness of the beard. The drawing is an excellent example of Solario's mastery of the charcoal medium and his ability to imbue his work with both realism and emotion.