Caricature of a Man with Bushy Hair (1495)
The Caricature of a Man with Bushy Hair is a captivating pen and brown ink drawing by the legendary artist Leonardo da Vinci, created circa 1495. Measuring only 6.6 x 5.4 cm, its diminutive size belies the depth of observation and technical skill displayed. In this artwork, da Vinci employs sfumato to seamlessly convey the texture of the man's bushy hair and the distinctive features of his face. The influence of this caricature has endured, inspiring countless later artists in their explorations of caricature and portrait forms.
Year 1495
About the Artwork
This caricature originates from a period in Leonardo's life when he was recognized for his relentless curiosity and fascination with the human form. During the mid-1490s, while residing in Milan, he observed unique faces, enabling him to capture their essence through careful study and meticulous drawing techniques. The work belonged to a series of head studies, which were ultimately fragmented after Leonardo's death, emphasizing the artist’s position at the forefront of observational art. Da Vinci's approach to caricature not only provided insights into the subjects' personalities but also contributed to the evolution of portraiture in the Renaissance and beyond.
