Head of Plutus God of Wealth Pierre-Paul Prud’hon (1758-1823)

The drawing presents a male figure viewed in profile, turned slightly towards the viewer. The subjects face is characterized by a somber expression; the brow is furrowed, and the mouth appears set in a grim line. A dense beard obscures much of the lower portion of his face, rendered with meticulous detail that suggests both age and perhaps a certain austerity.
The artist employed a technique of closely spaced parallel lines to model form and create an impression of texture across the entire figure. This hatching is particularly evident on the forehead and nose, contributing to a sense of depth and volume. The head covering, seemingly a simple cloth draped around the face and neck, is also constructed with this linear method, its folds carefully delineated to suggest weight and movement.
The limited tonal range – primarily browns and tans – reinforces the overall mood of seriousness and restraint. There’s an absence of bright colors or dramatic contrasts; instead, a muted palette contributes to a sense of introspection. The dark background isolates the figure, intensifying his presence and directing attention solely towards his countenance.
Subtly, theres a suggestion of weariness etched into the subject’s features. It isn’t an expression of overt suffering, but rather one of quiet endurance or perhaps burdened responsibility. This impression is amplified by the meticulous rendering of every line and wrinkle, which conveys a sense of lived experience. The overall effect evokes a figure who carries significant weight, whether literal or metaphorical.