untitled (A Roman's Head)

Description:

Still life in charcoal on paper of the head of a Roman statue, likely made of plaster. Plaster props of classical statues are common tools for artists to study and copy the Greek, Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque masters. Ball pays close attention to the changes in value across the face created by the harsh illumination which leaves half the face in shadow. Purposeful creation of contrasting regions of light and dark, called chiaroscuro, was prized by Renaissance painters.

• Title: untitled (A Roman's Head)
• Creator: Mary Wilson Ball, 1892-1984
• Date: Undated
• Culture: American
• School: Charleston Renaissance Movement
• Dimensions: H-19 W-15 inches

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• Collection: Works on Paper Collection
• Object Name: Mary Wilson Ball Artwork
• Other Name: Charcoal on Paper Figure Study
• Object Id: 1975.32.463

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• Search Terms
  • Charcoal drawings
  • Drawings
  • Greek and Roman
  • Heads (Anatomy)
  • Man
  • Statues
  • Studies, Figure