Aged Head in Profile Facing Left
Red-chalk study of a gaunt, wrinkled face with hair drawn back
A red-chalk profile study of an aged figure facing left, with a prominent hooked nose, sunken cheeks, a jutting chin and thin hair gathered back at the nape. The neck, shoulder and a suggestion of drapery are lightly sketched below the head. An inventory number appears at the upper right and a Roman numeral at the lower right; no notebook text accompanies the drawing.
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Gaunt profile of an aged figure
The sharply drawn profile emphasises the bony structure of the face, the angular nose, hollow cheek and set mouth, in Leonardo's manner of studying old age and physiognomy. The chalk is worked more loosely over the neck and shoulder, leaving the bust unfinished.