Study of Heads for Study for "Castor and Pollux Freeing Helen" 1817

This charcoal drawing, “Study of Heads for Study for 'Castor and Pollux Freeing Helen'”, was created by Joseph-Ferdinand Lancrenon in 1817. The drawing features the heads of two figures, likely Castor and Pollux, the twin sons of Zeus. The artist employed a combination of charcoal and white chalk to bring out the contours of the figures, giving them a sense of volume and dimension. The drawing’s depiction of the Greek myth provides insight into Lancrenon's artistic process and serves as a preparatory sketch for a larger painting. This piece exemplifies the use of drawing as a critical stage in the artistic process, allowing artists to explore composition and refine their vision before committing to a final artwork. The drawing is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.