Anatomical Study, ca. 1650–1700
MediumPen and brown ink, brown-grey wash
Sheet dimensions39,6 × 29,2 cm
About the workThe study of the human body was a fundamental part of artistic training. The anatomical knowledge acquired served to produce realistic depictions. However, the study of anatomy evidently also invited some draughtsmen to experiment in unusual ways. This sketch shows a muscular torso with an outstretched arm holding a bloody head. Is it a study for the motif of the decapitated John the Baptist? Or is the artist playing with the gruesome association of a headless man holding his own head in his hand?
AccessionCollection of the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf
Provenance[…]; seit 1932 Dauerleihgabe der Kunstakademie Düsseldorf
Inventory numberKA (FP) 7374
