Profile of an old man 1505

Leonardo da Vinci made this drawing with chalk, depicting the profile of an old man. The texture of the paper is visible beneath the fine lines, adding a tactile quality to the image. The subtle gradations of tone create a striking sense of depth. Da Vinci masterfully uses line to explore the structure of the aging human form. The careful cross-hatching builds up the shadows, lending weight and volume to the man's features, but there is also a play of light in the areas where the chalk is lightly applied, giving the image a dynamic feel. This artwork offers a meditation on time and mortality. The formal elements of line and tone serve not merely to represent, but to express the deep contemplation of the human condition. As viewers, we’re invited to engage with a work of art which transcends representation and becomes a site of philosophical inquiry.