Study of the Head of a Woman, ca. 1525
Black chalk
5 3/16 x 4 5/16 in. (13.2 x 10.9 cm)
Musée du Louvre, Paris, Département des Arts Graphiques
© RMN-Grand Palais / Art Resource, NY. Photo: Stephane Marechalle
The visual impact of this diminutive drawing derives from the clarity of its forms and range of handling that pits heavily darkened features like the model's eyes, mouth, and left side of her face against the airy articulation of the back of her head, neck, and wisps of hair. It may be connected to several figures in secular and sacred paintings by Andrea.