The artwork titled “Study for sculpture ‘Empty and full abstracts of a head'” is a creation by Umberto Boccioni dating back to 1912, conceptualized in Milan, Italy. This piece is executed using pencil and ink on paper and is considered to be within the genre of portrait, aligned with the Cubist movement. The artwork measures 57 x 44 cm and embodies Cubism’s distinctive approach to form and space.
In this artwork, the viewer is presented with a fragmented and abstracted representation of a head, which is characteristic of the Cubist style. The contours of the face and features appear to be dissected and reassembled in an unconventional manner, disrupting the traditional perspective and suggesting multiple viewpoints simultaneously. Lines and planes intersect, creating geometric shapes that suggest depth and volume, while the subtle use of shading adds a three-dimensional quality. The use of pencil and ink gives the piece a stark, monochromatic palette, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow. The artist’s hand is visible in the energetic lines and varied mark-making, which lends a sense of dynamism and movement to the composition. Boccioni’s signature can be seen on the lower right, anchoring the work in time and attributing its creation to his artistic vision.
