Portrait of a Man in a Monastic Habit 1699 - 1758

Bartolommeo Nazari created this intimate portrait using black and white chalk on paper. The inherent qualities of chalk lend themselves to subtle gradations and soft textures. You can see how Nazari has used the chalk to capture the delicate nuances of light and shadow on the man's face and monastic habit. The very act of drawing, building up the image through countless tiny strokes, has imbued the work with a sense of quiet contemplation. The artist's technique reflects a skilled tradition, honed through years of practice. Yet, the immediacy of the medium also invites a sense of direct connection with the sitter. This portrait speaks to a tension between the fine art of portraiture and the more intimate, accessible world of drawing. In doing so, it challenges traditional hierarchies, reminding us that profound artistry can be found in the simplest of materials and processes.