Head of a Man 1718

Jean-Antoine Watteau made this drawing, Head of a Man, with chalk on paper in the early 18th century. Watteau lived in an era defined by rigid social structures and the rise of the Rococo style, a movement that favored elegance and ornate aesthetics. His work often captured the subtleties of human emotion, as we can see in the intimate expression of this man. There's something about the turn of his head and the shadow on his face that suggests a moment of reflection. Notice how Watteau, who never married and whose sexuality remains the subject of speculation, avoids the traditional representations of masculinity. Instead, he focuses on the inner world of his subject. Drawings like this allowed Watteau to explore different facets of identity and emotion, paving the way for new artistic narratives.