Artwork Page for Portrait of a man

Details / Information for Portrait of a man

Portrait of a man

late 1700s

Northern India, Pahari kingdoms

Medium
Gum tempera on paper
Measurements
Overall: 7.3 x 5.5 cm (2 7/8 x 2 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Pamela Elizabeth Ward in loving memory of her parents, William E. and Evelyn Svec Ward 2005.69
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

This drawing was once owned by William E. Ward, the CMA’s chief designer from 1957 to 1993, who taught Calligraphy and Watercolor at the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Description

Before creating final paintings, Pahari artists made drawings in order to perfect portraits or expressions. The curling side lock indicates that he is an unmarried youth with just the beginnings of a moustache. Areas of white paint around the outline of the face effectively erase prior attempts at drawing his profile. The artist used the same white paint to highlight the eyes, turban, and garment.
A vertically oriented drawing on light brown paper depicts a man in profile facing right. Fine lines define his large eye, thin mustache, and beaded earring. He wears a rounded head covering, with a faint circular halo floating above his head. The man's light skin tone and collared torso fade toward the bottom, leaving the composition unfinished. Delicate strokes on the textured paper create a serene, ethereal portrait emphasizing regal poise.

Portrait of a man

late 1700s

Northern India, Pahari kingdoms

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