Head of a Youth in Profile
Drawing on paper • Manner of Jean-Baptiste Greuze (1725-1805) or Circle of the French School
Style & Movement
Rococo / Neoclassical transition
Medium & Technique
Red chalk (sanguine) on paper using hatching and cross-hatching techniques
Creation Period
Mid-18th to early 19th century
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 25 x 20 cm; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A sensitive profile study of a young boy or youth with curly, tousled hair. The composition focuses on naturalistic facial features, specifically the soft contours of the cheek, the rounded chin, and delicate rendering of the eye and ear.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible age-related toning and minor surface foxing
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500
Provenance History
Unknown; likely private collection given the framing style which appears mid-20th century or later
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the 18th-century French tradition of 'Têtes d'expression' (expressive heads) popularized by artists like Greuze and Fragonard, where academic study shifted toward sentimental naturalism.
Notable Features
Masterful use of sanguine chalk to create depth and volume through varied pressure. The treatment of the hair is particularly fluid and characteristic of the French academic drawing style.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the paper support, minor brown spots (foxing) in the periphery, and mild light-fading of the chalk pigment.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional reframing with acid-free museum matting and UV-protective glass. Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.