The Head of a Grotesque Man in Profile Facing Right

The Head of a Grotesque Man in Profile Facing Right by Leonardo da Vinci, executed around 1500-1520, is a masterful example of the artist’s lifelong fascination with human physiognomy and caricature. This quick, assured drawing employs pen and brown ink on off-white paper, which, over five centuries, has darkened, emphasizing the delicate yet energetic quality of the lines. The subject is a severely characterized male profile turned sharply to the right, detailing exaggerated features-a protruding brow, deeply recessed eyes, and a highly defined, aquiline nose. This drawing belongs to a significant series, where Vinci explored the extremes of human appearance, documenting facial characteristics far removed from the idealized beauty sought in his major religious works.

These observational studies, often satirizing the subject, showcase the Italian Renaissance master’s genius for rapid execution and sharp wit. The work demonstrates Vinci's skill as a draftsman, where the minimal use of shadow defines the profile and gives dimensionality to the subject's face. As a crucial surviving drawing from the final decades of the artist’s life, this piece offers direct insight into the scientific and artistic processes of Vinci. It is held within the esteemed permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Recognized for its historical significance, the drawing is often reproduced, and high-quality images are typically available as public domain prints, facilitating global access to Vinci's unique interpretation of the human profile.