Bearded Man Seated at Table 1650s

This red chalk drawing by Italian Baroque artist Guercino, titled “Bearded Man Seated at Table,” depicts a figure in a contemplative pose, resting his head on his hand while seemingly reading from an open book. The drawing, which dates to the 1650s, is a preparatory study for a larger composition and showcases Guercino’s masterful skill in rendering anatomical detail and capturing a moment of quiet introspection. The work's intimate scale and sensitive treatment of the subject's expression invite viewers to contemplate the act of reading and the power of contemplation.