Study of Two Heads

Description

Study of Two Heads by Peter Paul Rubens contrasts a bearded man’s upward gaze with a second head seen in profile at the left. Warmly modeled features emerge against a cool, dark background, while silver strands catch the light across the curling hair and beard.

The close viewpoint makes expression and texture the focus. Freely brushed pale drapery and lightly suggested contours preserve the immediacy of a painted study, inviting attention to the artist’s handling of light and form.