Study for a Portrait of a Man 1640 - 1679

Guillaume Courtois's "Study for a Portrait of a Man" is a red chalk drawing executed between 1640 and 1679. The drawing, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts a man in a three-quarter view, his body turned slightly to the left and his gaze directed toward the viewer. His features are rendered with delicate lines and a sense of immediacy, likely serving as a preparatory study for a larger portrait. Courtois, known for his dynamic compositions and skilled use of light and shadow, captures the sitter's presence with captivating detail, revealing his masterful draftsmanship.