Seated man half naked; at the lower right a faint study for his head 1548 - 1612

Bernardino Poccetti created this drawing of a seated man, half-naked, using pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk. Notice the composition of the figure that commands the space, arranged in a descending diagonal. The study in the lower right of his head offers a glimpse into Poccetti's process and his focus on capturing the essence of his subject through detailed observation. The use of line and wash gives the figure volume and depth, while the limited palette of browns and blacks creates a sense of drama. Poccetti masterfully uses chiaroscuro, the contrast between light and shadow, to define the figure's musculature and drapery. This adds a dynamic quality to the work, as if the figure is caught in a moment of contemplation. Ultimately, the beauty of Poccetti's drawing lies in its formal qualities—the way he manipulates line, light, and shadow to create a compelling visual experience. This drawing serves as a powerful reminder of the expressive potential inherent in the formal language of art.