Mannenhoofd 1772 - 1779

This is a red chalk drawing of a man's head, made by Antoine Carrée sometime in the late 18th century. Chalk is one of the most direct drawing media, and it's interesting to consider how Carrée used it to create this study. Red chalk has an earthiness, a physicality to it. You can see how Carrée exploits this quality in his rendering of the man’s features. Notice the subtle gradations of tone, achieved through layering and blending. The hatching marks create a sense of volume and texture, bringing the man’s face to life on the page. Drawings like this were often made as preparatory studies for larger paintings or prints. In the 1700s, the art world was very structured, with artists often working in workshops or academies. Red chalk drawings like this were part of that system – a way for artists to hone their skills and develop their ideas. Next time you see a drawing, think about the labor and skill that went into its making. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about the finished product, but also about the process.