Face of the man 

Maurice Quentin de La Tour created this portrait, "Face of the Man," using pastels, a medium that was gaining popularity in 18th-century France. The beauty of pastel lies in its directness. Pure pigment is bound into sticks and applied dry to the surface, usually paper. It's a technique that demands both precision and a certain looseness, as seen in the soft, almost blurred edges of the man's face and hair. This direct application allows for a remarkable immediacy, capturing light and shadow with a delicate touch. Pastel's rise mirrored the era's changing tastes. It offered a softer, more intimate alternative to the grand oil portraits favored by the aristocracy. While still requiring skill and training, pastel was perhaps more accessible, aligning with the burgeoning middle class and their desire for personalized likenesses. Looking closely, you can almost feel the texture of the pastel on the paper, a reminder of the artist's hand and the direct connection between material and image. This portrait, therefore, is not just a representation of a man's face, but also a testament to the evolving artistic practices and social dynamics of its time.