Head of the Virgin Cosimo Tura (1430-1495)

The drawing presents a close-up portrait of a woman, likely intended as a study for a larger devotional work. Here we see a figure rendered in reddish-brown chalk on a light beige ground. The composition is tightly focused on the head and shoulders, eliminating any background context and directing attention solely to the subject’s features.
The artist depicted a woman with closed eyes, suggesting contemplation or perhaps sorrow. Her expression is subdued; theres an absence of overt emotion, yet a sense of quiet dignity pervades her countenance. The modeling of the face relies heavily on subtle gradations in tone achieved through varying pressure and density of chalk application. This technique creates a delicate play of light and shadow, defining the contours of the nose, cheekbones, and chin.
A veil drapes around her head, its folds meticulously rendered to suggest volume and texture. A single braid falls down from beneath the veil, adding a touch of naturalism to the otherwise idealized representation. The artist’s handling of the hair is particularly noteworthy; it demonstrates an understanding of how light interacts with individual strands.
The drawings subtexts are layered. The closed eyes invite introspection and suggest a spiritual connection. The serene expression, combined with the veil, evokes associations with modesty and purity – qualities often attributed to religious figures. The lack of overt emotion allows for a broader range of interpretations; the viewer is invited to project their own feelings onto the subject’s face.
The drawings format – a study rather than a finished work – suggests it was intended as a preparatory stage in a larger artistic process. It provides valuable insight into the artist’s working methods and his approach to rendering human form and expression within a devotional context. The simplicity of the medium and the directness of the execution contribute to an overall sense of quiet reverence.