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Study of Eleven Heads

Jacques de Gheyn II Netherlandish
late 16th–early 17th century
Not on view
This drawing is from a group of studies intended as a repertoire of figures for practice and reference. It is one of the most significant and most intact of several such sheets composed by de Gheyn, who worked primarily as a printmaker and draftsman, and was trained by Hendrick Goltzius. The drawing combines images from life (the young man viewed from several angles, blowing a conch shell) with those invented by the artist (the Medusa head and the two strange, long-haired figures, possibly Gypsies, in the center). The varied style of drawing suggests that de Gheyn created the sheet during at least two distinct periods in his career. As technical analysis reveals that he used three different types of ink, he may even have made the drawings on three separate occasions.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Study of Eleven Heads
  • Artist: Jacques de Gheyn II (Netherlandish, Antwerp 1565–1629 The Hague)
  • Date: late 16th–early 17th century
  • Medium: Pen and three shades of brown ink with black chalk on laid paper; framing lines in pen and brown ink and graphite
  • Dimensions: sheet: 12 1/2 x 9 3/16 in. (31.8 x 23.3 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, Frits and Rita Markus Fund, and Charles and Jessie Price Gift, 2006
  • Object Number: 2006.101
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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Landscape with Man Milking a Cow
Jacques de Gheyn II
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Virgin and Child
Jacques de Gheyn II
Abraham Bloemaert
Joseph with Carpenter's Tools
Jacques de Gheyn II
Abraham Bloemaert
n.d.
Study of a Tree, Jacques de Gheyn II Netherlandish, Pen and brown ink over black chalk
Study of a Tree
Jacques de Gheyn II
late 16th–early 17th century
Head of a Bearded Man Wearing a Cap, Jacques de Gheyn II Netherlandish, Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash; framling lines in graphite
Head of a Bearded Man Wearing a Cap
Jacques de Gheyn II
late 16th–early 17th century

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