Head of a Man with a Moustache Looking Left 1765 - 1810

Jakob Matthias Schmutzer made this drawing of a man with sanguine chalk on paper. Sanguine chalk is a reddish-brown, iron oxide pigment that gives the drawing a warm, vibrant tone. The artist carefully built up the image through layers of hatching and cross-hatching. Notice the varying pressure and angles of the chalk strokes, building the forms of the man’s face and hair. Look closely at the sharp, angular lines of his jacket, contrasting the softer, more curvilinear marks that define his hair. The labor involved in creating such a detailed drawing is evident in the sheer number of marks on the paper. Schmutzer used traditional artistic techniques to create a compelling image, which invites us to consider the relationship between the artistic skill involved and the final aesthetic result. By understanding the materials, making, and context, we gain a deeper appreciation for Schmutzer’s artistry.