Portrait of a man in profile

19th century

Not on view

Before photography was invented, artists often used optical tools for assistance. Cornelius Varley, who was a skilled draftsman, watercolorist, and instrument maker, tried the Camera Lucida when it was invented in 1806 but found it wanting. By 1811 he had invented and patented a superior device called the Graphic Telescope. Containing adjustable lenses and mirrors, it does indeed resemble a telescope, but the user looks down into it, keeping both eyes open to see two superimposed images. The subject being studied can thus be compared to a drawing resting below. The instrument proved invaluable as an aid to place objects correctly within a receding landscape, capture intricate nautical rigging, or record a sitter’s features. In this striking portrait of an unknown man Varley used the invention to draw the essential features. He then set the instrument aside and added passages of rubbed chalk to convey volume and project a determined character.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Portrait of a man in profile
Artist: Cornelius Varley (British, London 1781–1873 London)
Date: 19th century
Medium: Graphite
Dimensions: sheet: 18 1/2 x 14 in. (47 x 35.6 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Harry G. Sperling Fund, 2005
Object Number: 2005.362
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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Irish cars (Study of two carts in a landscape), Cornelius Varley British, Pen and black ink, brush and gray wash, over graphite — Irish cars (Study of two carts in a landscape)
Cornelius Varley
1800–73

Craig Goch, Moel Hebog, North Wales, Cornelius Varley British, Watercolor over graphite — Craig Goch, Moel Hebog, North Wales
Cornelius Varley
ca. 1802

The Lake of Zug, Joseph Mallord William Turner British, Watercolor and bodycolor (gouache) with reductive techniques over graphite — The Lake of Zug
Joseph Mallord William Turner
1843

Loggia of the Ducal Palace, Venice, John Ruskin British, Watercolor over graphite — Loggia of the Ducal Palace, Venice
John Ruskin
1849–50

Sabrina, Samuel Palmer British, Watercolor and gouache (bodycolor) over graphite, with reductive techniques, shell gold and gum arabic — Sabrina
Samuel Palmer
1856

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