Bust of Two Men [recto]

Attributed to Sperandio

Associated Names
Sperandio

Artist, Mantuan, c. 1425/1428 - c. 1504

The image shows a sketch of two individuals in profile. The person on the left has curly hair partially covered by a hat, with layered patterned clothing. They have a prominent nose and detailed eyes and lips. The person on the right has less hair and wears similar layered clothing, with a high forehead and pointed nose. In the background, there is an incomplete sketch of an eye above the second person. The detailed line work and shading stand out against a plain background.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black and brown ink with light underdrawing with a stylus on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    Overall: 7.2 x 13.3 cm (2 13/16 x 5 1/4 in.)
    support: 15.3 x 21.4 cm (6 x 8 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1973.37.1.a

Associated Artworks

The image is a full-body sketch of a human figure in a dynamic stance. The person's face has simple features, and the hair is loosely drawn. The clothing is indicated with minimal detail. There are no objects or accessories, and the background is a textured surface with signs of wear and aging.

Standing Young Man [verso]

Sperandio

1431

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., Ltd

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1974

  • NGA Recent Acquisitions 1974, no. 13 (as Sperandio of Mantua)

1988

  • Italian Renaissance Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1988, no cat.

Inscriptions

in later hand, effaced, lower left: Leonardo

Wikidata ID

Q64536917

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