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Portrait of a Man Holding a Square, 1500

This striking charcoal and chalk drawing on blue paper, dated 1500, captures a man in profile with an intense gaze. His tousled hair and weathered features suggest a life of experience, possibly an artisan or scholar. He wears a simple, high-necked garment, and his left hand delicately holds a draftsman's square, hinting at his profession or intellectual pursuits. The artist's masterful use of line and shading creates a sense of depth and realism, highlighting the contours of the face and the folds of the fabric. The muted color palette and the subtle play of light and shadow contribute to a contemplative and timeless atmosphere, making this portrait a compelling study of character and skill from the turn of the 16th century.

Colour palette