Study of Eleven Heads

Jacques de Gheyn II Netherlandish

Not on view

This drawing was probably intended as a finished work of art to show off the draftsman's skill. It is one of the most significant and intact of several sheets in the collection by de Gheyn, who worked primarily as a printmaker and draftsman. It combines images from life, such as the young man viewed from several angles, with others invented by the artist, such as the Medusa head and two strange long-haired figures, possibly gypsies, at center. The varied style of drawing and a technical analysis of the inks suggest that de Gheyn worked on the sheet on at least at two, and possibly three, occasions. The drawing is the most impressive of a number of outstanding works by de Gheyn acquired by the department over twenty years.

Study of Eleven Heads, Jacques de Gheyn II (Netherlandish, Antwerp 1565–1629 The Hague), Pen and three shades of brown ink with black chalk on laid paper; framing lines in brown ink and graphite

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Study of Eleven Heads, Jacques de Gheyn II (Netherlandish, Antwerp 1565–1629 The Hague), Pen and three shades of brown ink with black chalk on laid paper; framing lines in brown ink and graphite
Study of Eleven Heads, Jacques de Gheyn II (Netherlandish, Antwerp 1565–1629 The Hague), Pen and three shades of brown ink with black chalk on laid paper; framing lines in brown ink and graphite
Study of Eleven Heads, Jacques de Gheyn II (Netherlandish, Antwerp 1565–1629 The Hague), Pen and three shades of brown ink with black chalk on laid paper; framing lines in brown ink and graphite
Study of Eleven Heads, Jacques de Gheyn II (Netherlandish, Antwerp 1565–1629 The Hague), Pen and three shades of brown ink with black chalk on laid paper; framing lines in brown ink and graphite
Study of Eleven Heads, Jacques de Gheyn II (Netherlandish, Antwerp 1565–1629 The Hague), Pen and three shades of brown ink with black chalk on laid paper; framing lines in brown ink and graphite

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