Study for a Head of a Man 1625 - 1713

Carlo Maratti created this ‘Study for a Head of a Man’ using graphite on paper. The inherent qualities of graphite, a form of carbon, allow for a range of tonal values from light grays to deep blacks, as you can see particularly in the beard. The artist has exploited this to render the play of light across the subject’s face. Notice the hatching and cross-hatching techniques, where closely spaced parallel lines create areas of shadow and volume. Drawings like this were crucial to the academic system that Maratti inhabited; they were a means of mastering the human form. The careful study evident here reflects a dedication to craft and skill, honed through rigorous practice. But it's also worth remembering that the 'craft' of drawing was not always seen as separate from intellectual labor. For Maratti and his contemporaries, it was a tool of analysis. So, while seemingly simple, this drawing represents the intersection of materials, technique, and intellectual pursuit, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.