Man's head in profile 1520 - 1525

This is a drawing of "Man's head in profile" by Hans Baldung, created around the 1500s, using pen and black ink on paper. The artwork presents a stark, uncluttered depiction of a man's head, capturing his profile with remarkable detail. The form is constructed through decisive pen strokes, with careful attention to the contours of the face. The use of line is especially effective in defining the man's features, creating a sense of depth and volume despite the two-dimensional nature of the drawing. Baldung's approach here can be understood through the lens of formalism, where the essence of the artwork lies in its visual structure and composition. The interplay of light and shadow, rendered through the hatching and cross-hatching of lines, introduces complexity. Baldung prompts us to reflect on how form shapes our perception and understanding.