Head of an Old Man

Carracci's powerful head study was most likely painted as a visual exercise to be used for teaching purposes or as a preparatory work for a larger composition. Composed of thin layers of paint, with some areas of the ground showing through, the broken brushwork captures movement and the effect of light on form. Caught in the act of thinking, we do not know who this man was, but it likely that Carracci chose him as a model for his strong and characterful face.