Head of a Man Wearing a High Collar

The drawing, Head of a Man Wearing a High Collar, by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696-1770), is a remarkable example of the Venetian master's dynamic studies in expressive figuration. Executed using pen and brown ink, brush with pale and dark brown wash, layered over traces of black chalk, this work showcases Tiepolo’s celebrated command of line and shadow.

Tiepolo utilized the washes to create dramatic depth and chiaroscuro around the figure's face and high collar, typical of the expressive draftsmanship of the late Baroque and Rococo periods. The precise interaction of the varying brown tones highlights the texture of the man's garment while emphasizing the intensity of his gaze. The dual application of both pale and dark washes over the initial chalk outline suggests an interest in capturing personality and mood quickly, possibly serving as a preparatory study for a larger fresco or oil painting featuring multiple figures.

This type of detailed figure drawing, focusing on the character’s attire and concentrated expression, was central to 18th-century artistic training. Tiepolo’s mastery is evident in how he defines form using economy of line rather than reliance on excessive detail, emphasizing movement and volume. As a key figure in 18th-century European art, Tiepolo’s drawings are highly sought after by institutions globally. This important piece resides in the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today, modern audiences frequently access high-quality prints and digital reproductions of this masterwork through public domain collections, ensuring its legacy endures.