Männliches Porträt im Dreiviertelprofil nach rechts c. 1635

This portrait, made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is rendered in chalk on paper. The material qualities are immediately apparent. The texture of the chalk creates a soft, almost blurred effect, particularly noticeable in the sitter's hair and clothing. Bernini's choice of chalk as a medium is significant. Unlike the permanence and cost associated with oil paint, chalk allowed for a more immediate and expressive approach. This suggests that the drawing may have been a preparatory sketch for a larger sculpture or painting, or perhaps a study of a particular individual's likeness. The use of paper as a support further emphasizes the ephemeral nature of the work. Paper was relatively inexpensive and easily accessible, making it a practical choice for sketches and studies. The combination of chalk and paper allowed Bernini to capture the sitter's likeness quickly and efficiently. The very process is integral to the work's aesthetic. Considering the material and the mode of production involved can change how we perceive an artwork. It prompts us to expand our understanding of the creative process and the social context in which the artwork was created.