Portrait of an Italian 1856

This charcoal drawing, "Portrait of an Italian," is a work by Edgar Degas, a famous French artist known for his paintings and sculptures. The piece, completed in 1856, showcases Degas' early exploration of portraiture. The subject, a young Italian man with a thick, curly mane of hair and a faint shadow of a beard, is depicted in profile, his gaze turned slightly upwards. The work is notable for its realistic details and the artist's skillful use of charcoal to create a sense of depth and texture. "Portrait of an Italian" is a fine example of Degas' early exploration of portraiture and his mastery of charcoal drawing, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.