slight sketch of head and shoulders of man in lead pencil 1615 - 1673

This is a lead pencil sketch of a man's head and shoulders, made by Salvator Rosa in the 17th century. The immediate impression is one of spontaneity and raw energy, reflecting the artist's hand at work. Rosa masterfully uses the lead pencil to build up tonal values. Notice the varying pressure he applies to the pencil, creating depth and volume through the build-up of dark lines and areas of shadow to bring the figure to life. The texture of the paper plays its part, too; the tooth of the surface grabs the graphite, resulting in a slightly rough, lively effect. Drawing was fundamental to Rosa's artistic process. It was a way for artists to rapidly explore ideas and forms before committing to more time-consuming mediums like paint. The relative ease and portability of pencil allowed Rosa to capture fleeting moments of inspiration, to plan out compositions, and to study the human form. Ultimately, this sketch is a testament to Rosa's mastery of a humble material, and a glimpse into the working methods of an artist deeply engaged with the world around him.