Heads of the Proconsul’s Lictors and Advisor 17th century

Anthony van Dyck created this ink drawing titled "Heads of the Proconsul's Lictors and Advisor." Observe how the composition is arranged with three heads, each rendered with expressive strokes that capture a range of emotions. The use of sepia ink creates depth and volume, particularly in the detailed rendering of their facial features. Van Dyck's formal technique reflects his study of classical antiquity. Through the manipulation of line and shadow, he invokes a sense of movement and psychological depth. Note how the strategic placement of each head, slightly overlapping and turned in different directions, destabilizes a fixed reading. By exploring these formal qualities, we see how Van Dyck engages with broader intellectual currents. This drawing functions not just as a study of individual faces but as an exploration into power dynamics and human psychology, inviting multiple interpretations.