Classical Bust of a Bearded Male Seen in Profile 1771 - 1844

Vincenzo Camuccini created this understated graphite drawing, "Classical Bust of a Bearded Male Seen in Profile," which now resides at The Met. At first glance, we are met with an image that uses precise draftsmanship to evoke classical sculpture. Let's consider the composition itself; the profile view emphasizes line and contour. Camuccini masterfully employs hatching and stippling to suggest depth and volume. The careful attention to the fall of the drapery is indicative of neoclassical values, which seek to capture an ideal form. Note how the texture of the beard contrasts with the smooth planes of the face, an interplay of tactile qualities that enlivens the drawing. This work reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns. The neoclassical movement aimed to revive the artistic ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing order, reason, and clarity. Through its formal execution, Camuccini's drawing is not merely a depiction but an embodiment of these neoclassical principles.