Boy in a Beret, Leaning Back c. 1661 - 1664

This charcoal drawing, "Boy in a Beret, Leaning Back", by Dutch artist Cornelis Bega, is a study of a young man in a beret, leaning back in a relaxed pose. The drawing, created between 1661 and 1664, showcases Bega's masterful use of line and shading to capture the subject's form and subtle expression. The piece is housed in the Rijksmuseum and offers a glimpse into Bega's artistic process, demonstrating his skill in rendering figures with an air of realism. The drawing's intimate scale and masterful technique make it a notable example of Dutch 17th-century portraiture.