Four Studies after a Death Mask
Francesco Vanni turned a grim subject into a masterclass in observation with these four sketches based on a death mask. Using warm red chalk, he captured the stillness of the deceased face from different angles—profile, three-quarter, and frontal views—highlighting the sunken cheeks and peaceful, closed eyes. In the Baroque era, studying death masks was a crucial way for artists to understand bone structure and anatomy without a living model fidgeting. The inscription at the bottom proudly claims the work for Vanni, offering a rare, intimate look into his creative process.
- Technique
- Red chalk
- Material
- Paper
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