Head of a Bearded Man

The drawing Head of a Bearded Man, attributed to an artist working after Raffaello Sanzio (called Raphael, Italian, 1483-1520), was executed during the 18th century (1700-1799) and exemplifies the enduring influence of the High Renaissance master. Classified as a preparatory or study drawing, this piece utilizes the sensitive and descriptive technique of red chalk applied to ivory laid paper. The deliberate use of red chalk, often favored in academic settings across Italy, allows the artist to achieve rich textural variation and atmospheric shading, lending volumetric presence and careful attention to the subject’s form.

Created roughly two centuries following Raphael’s death, this work speaks to the pervasive reverence for his compositions and detailed figure studies during the Age of Enlightenment. Drawings created "after" specific masters served a crucial function in 18th-century academic curricula, acting as exercises designed to teach students how to copy canonical forms, understand anatomy, and perfect draftsmanship. The focus here is the intense portrayal of an older man's head, defined by a thick, flowing beard and deeply furrowed brow. While the specific source composition remains unidentified, the concentration on expression and detail aligns with the practice of studying High Renaissance models to achieve technical mastery.

As a document of continuous academic tradition and replication in Italian art history, this drawing represents an important facet of Raphael’s lasting reception. The piece is currently held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. For researchers studying 18th-century copying practices or seeking reference images, this masterwork is often made available through museum and public domain archives.