Boy with Hand on His Head and Profile of Old Man

Samuel Drummond, 1785

MEDIUMCharcoal heightened with white chalk, on tan laid paper
DIMENSIONS22.5 × 17.5 cm (8 7/8 × 6 15/16 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago

This charcoal drawing captures a tender, introspective moment of a young boy, subtly contrasted with the profile of an older man. It's a vivid example of how artists used drawing to explore human emotion and character.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This intimate drawing captures a young boy in a moment of quiet contemplation, his hand resting thoughtfully on his head. His gaze is directed downward, suggesting introspection or perhaps a response to the unseen figure of the old man whose profile is subtly sketched into the background. The artist used charcoal, a medium known for its expressive potential, to render the boy's soft curls and the delicate folds of his shirt. White chalk highlights catch the light on his forehead and shoulder, giving a sense of volume and immediacy. Made in 1785, this study offers a glimpse into how artists of the period explored human emotion and character through focused observation, often using such drawings as preparation for larger, more formal portraits. The contrast between the boy's youth and the implied wisdom of the older man adds a layer of narrative, inviting viewers to ponder their relationship.

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What to Notice

1

The boy's downcast eyes and the pensive tilt of his head.

2

The subtle, almost ghost-like profile of the old man in the upper left.

3

The way white chalk defines the boy's curls and the highlights on his shirt.

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Audio Deep Dive

This charcoal drawing captures a tender, introspective moment of a young boy, subtly contrasted with the profile of an older man. It's a vivid example of how a…

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THE ARTIST
Samuel Drummond 1766–1844 · England

Samuel Drummond, a British painter, captured the likenesses of notable figures like Walter Scott and documented maritime history with grand oil paintings.

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