Head of a Bearded Man 1715

Benedetto Luti created this 'Head of a Bearded Man' using pastel. The drawing is an exercise in contrasts, softened by the pastel medium. Notice how Luti uses the contrast of the ochre robe against the light background to frame the figure. The face itself is a study in delicate shading, juxtaposing subtle pinks and blues to model the form. The beard, a mass of white and grey, provides a textural counterpoint to the smoother skin. Luti uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up the tonal range, creating an impression of depth. Luti's work engages with the prevailing artistic interest in capturing the human form with both accuracy and expressiveness. The materiality of the pastel lends itself to the creation of soft contours and atmospheric effects. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to reflect on the nature of portraiture and the human condition. The use of line and colour, shadow and light, all serve to create a harmonious whole.