One Man, Three Heads

This drawing, which represents three views of a bearded male head, was created by Leonardo about 1502.

The drawing was created confidently in red stone (hematite) using concise lines.

Each of the three heads has a slightly different color: the last one on the left seems a little more brick red compared to the other two which have a more orange tone.

Original layers can be seen at the lip fissure, outline, and nasal cavity, giving volume to these features with a method that can be found in other designs by Leonardo and his students.

Here, Leonardo has analyzed the three classical views of two-dimensional representation: frontal, three-quarter, and profile. The series must be read from the right-hand side (for the viewer), according to Leonardo’s left-handed sequence.

All three designs are defined sophisticatedly, especially in the lower area of the face, with an analytical description of the beard.

In contrast, the upper part of the head is only faintly sketched in accordance with Leonardo's recurring stylistic choice that can be found in many of his other designs, including the Self-Portrait.

It can easily be seen how the head in the frontal view is unrestrained and wearing no headgear.

In the three-quarter and profile drawings, the head is covered by a band or cap.

The painting could have been a physiognomic study or Leonardo may have intended to turn it into a piece, possibly a sculpture, given that the three views constitute the basic reference points for an all-round design.