Portrait of a Young Man c. 1585 - 1595

Annibale Carracci made this drawing of a young man, but we don't know exactly when. It's rendered in black chalk on paper, a relatively direct medium for capturing a likeness. What's compelling here is the immediacy of the marks. See how the chalk is applied in short, energetic strokes, building up tone and volume? Carracci coaxes a sense of depth from a flat surface. The texture of the paper itself, though humble, plays a key role. The tooth of the paper grabs the chalk, creating a subtle graininess that adds to the overall effect. This speaks to the artist’s virtuosity in manipulating a simple material to create a compelling image. Drawings like this were often studies for larger paintings, a way for the artist to work out ideas and hone their skills. In this way, the drawing offers insight into the labor involved in creating grander artworks. It reminds us that even the most polished finished products have their origins in a process of exploration and refinement.