Head of a Man

1840-1854

Seth Wells Cheney

Associated Names
Seth Wells Cheney

Artist, American, 1810 - 1856

This is an image of a grayscale sketch showing only the head of a man. The man's head is drawn in a straightforward position, positioned slightly to the right from the viewer's perspective. His facial features include a smooth complexion with prominent cheeks, strong, slightly curved eyebrows above almond-shaped eyes, firm lips, and a composed expression. His hair appears to be styled back smoothly, with some detailing around the sideburns and hints of curls near the ears. The man's clothing is drawn with minimal detail, but it suggests he is wearing an elegant suit with a high collar and a cravat or necktie. The background is plain, uncluttered, and matches the natural color of the sketching paper. There are no visible accessories or objects with the man. The entire portrait is deliberately understated, focusing attention on the man's face and expression.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The Cheney Family; Alice F. Williams, Washington, DC; Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1958; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

1983

  • Simmons, Linda Crocker and with the assistance of Adrianne J. Humphrey, et al. American Drawings, Watercolors, Pastels, and Collages in the Collection of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Washington, DC: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 1983: p. 11, no. 71.

Inscriptions

lower center verso in graphite by unknown hand: 174

Wikidata ID

Q64630855

You may be interested in

Loading Results