Two studies of heads 1735

This sheet of paper, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, holds “Two studies of heads” made by Anne Claude Philippe Caylus in the 18th century. Caylus made these studies using pen and brown ink. Notice how the ink's fluidity allows for a sense of spontaneity and dynamism. The strokes vary in thickness and darkness, creating areas of shadow and light. With minimal hatching, Caylus suggests the contours and textures of the faces and beards. The very directness of the medium allows for a sense of intimacy with the artist's hand. As an engraver, antiquarian, and art critic, Caylus was deeply engaged in the artistic and intellectual life of his time. Drawings like these were preparatory exercises, or records of observations. Caylus was part of a broader artistic culture that valued skill and draftsmanship. The labor involved in creating these studies is a testament to the artist's dedication and craft, something easily overlooked in our age of mass production. Recognizing this reminds us of the value of unique, handmade works.