Head of a Man in Profile to the Left

The detailed drawing Head of a Man in Profile to the Left was executed by the Venetian master Giovanni Battista Tiepolo between 1737 and 1748. This work, classified specifically as a drawing, showcases Tiepolo’s characteristic fluid mastery of pen and brown ink combined with expressive brown wash laid over an initial graphite sketch. The careful layering of wash over the graphite base establishes depth and volume, a technique central to Tiepolo’s preparatory and standalone figure studies during this highly productive period of the mid-18th century.

The composition focuses intently on the meticulous study of a mature man’s head, presented sharply and dramatically in profile to the left. Such detailed profile studies were essential components of Tiepolo’s artistic practice, serving either as preparatory blueprints for figures destined for larger frescos and canvases, or as independent explorations of human expression and character. The strong contour lines and strategic application of ink wash give the subject a remarkable sculptural presence, capturing the dramatic flair typical of the late Baroque and early Rococo styles prevalent in Venice at the time.

Tiepolo’s prolific output of figure and head studies demonstrates his consistent commitment to rigorous figure drawing throughout his career. This compelling study of a male profile is a crucial example of the celebrated draftsman’s skill in capturing human features with immediacy and precision. The drawing is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Given the artwork’s age and historical importance, high-quality images of this piece frequently enter the public domain, allowing institutions and art enthusiasts to generate prints for study and educational purposes worldwide.