The artwork entitled “Study of a Head” is a portrait created by the artist James McNeill Whistler between circa 1881 and circa 1885. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the art movements of Impressionism and Realism. Measuring 57.47 by 36.83 centimeters, it exemplifies Whistler’s skill in capturing human likeness with nuanced application of paint and refined compositional techniques.
The artwork portrays the profile of a man wearing a hat, his face emerging softly from the dark, muted background. The tones and hues are predominantly dark, with the exception of a deftly applied highlight on the collar, which accentuates the contrast and draws the viewer’s eye to the subject’s contemplative expression. Whistler’s brushwork appears deliberate and evocative, contributing to the impressionistic quality of the portrait, while still maintaining a grounded realism in its depiction. The composition’s overall somber palette and fluid forms are characteristic of Whistler’s ability to convey mood and personality with economical means.
