Portrait of a Man: Francesco Albani ? 1599 - 1661

This intimate portrait by Andrea Sacchi, known as "Portrait of a Man: Francesco Albani?", depicts a close-up of a man's head, executed in red chalk and heightened with white. The sitter appears to be an older man with a graying beard and a thoughtful expression. The drawing is a delicate and subtle study of human form, executed with great precision and a sense of naturalism. This work is a classic example of the Italian Baroque period, known for its dramatic use of light and shadow, which was influential in the development of the Baroque style throughout Europe. The drawing, currently held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a small piece, measuring only 3 3/4 x 2 3/4in. (9.5 x 7cm), yet it packs a powerful presence and a timeless elegance, a testament to Sacchi's artistry.