Head of a Child in Profile
Metalpoint on blue-grey prepared paper, outlines pricked for transfer
A metalpoint study on blue-grey prepared paper of a young child's head in right profile, with a rounded cheek, small soft features and short curling hair. Many of the principal contours are pricked with rows of tiny holes, indicating the outline was pounced for transfer to another surface. A collector's stamp sits at the lower left of the sheet.
On this page
Child's head in right profile
The plump face of a young child is drawn in profile facing right, the ear, curling hair and softly rounded jaw carefully modelled in metalpoint on the toned ground. The shoulders and a collar are indicated with light lines below. The forms are gentle and rounded, appropriate to a very young sitter.
Pricked outlines for transfer
Rows of closely spaced pin-holes follow the profile, the hairline and other principal edges of the head. This pouncing was used to transfer a design onto another sheet or surface. The pricked dots are visible along the upper and outer contours.
