Head of a Bearded Man 1815 - 1825

Johann Friedrich Overbeck rendered this Head of a Bearded Man using graphite on paper. The subject's beard is the focal point; in early Christian iconography, beards symbolized wisdom and maturity, often attributed to prophets and apostles. We see this symbol echoed through time: consider the beards of ancient Greek philosophers, emblems of intellectual prowess, or the long beards characterizing figures from the Old Testament. In each instance, the beard serves as a marker of authority and knowledge. Its appearance triggers a collective memory that transcends eras. The man’s gently inclined head suggests introspection, hinting at a deeper psychological state, perhaps engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The motif of the beard, rich with associations of sagacity, reappears across centuries, evolving in meaning yet eternally linked to the concept of profound wisdom.