The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of July 14, 2026

A vertically oriented graphite drawing depicts a man with light skin tone in profile, facing our left. Minimalist, gestural lines define his head, with swirling curls at the crown and a single, sharp stroke for an eye. This rendering focuses on the fluid contours of his forehead, nose, and mouth. Positioned in the upper half, the small portrait leaves the page starkly blank, emphasizing its airy, ephemeral quality.

Italian Sketchbook: Head of a Man in Profile (page 150)

1898–1899

Maurice Prendergast

(American, born Newfoundland [now Canada], 1858–1924)
America
pencil
Sheet: 16.7 x 10.8 cm (6 9/16 x 4 1/4 in.)
Gift of Mrs. Charles E. Prendergast 1951.422.iii
Location: Not on view
  • {{cite web|title=Italian Sketchbook: Head of a Man in Profile (page 150)|url=false|author=Maurice Prendergast|year=1898–1899|access-date=14 July 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1951.422.iii