Anthony Henley

Welcome, everyone! Before you is Anthony Henley, a captivating portrait drawing by the renowned artist Godfrey Kneller. Created in 1694, this exquisite piece belongs to the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. nn Measuring a delicate 24 centimeters by 33.4 centimeters, the drawing presents a head-and-shoulders view of a young man, likely Anthony Henley himself. Kneller masterfully employs charcoal or graphite on a subtly brownish-grey paper to capture the subject's likeness. Notice the remarkable detail in the rendering of the face; the soft, diffused light creates gentle shadows around the nose, eyes, and chin, giving a three-dimensional quality to the portrait. The eyes are particularly striking, with meticulously rendered pupils and highlights that seem to hold a quiet intensity. His slightly parted lips suggest a relaxed and perhaps thoughtful expression. nn The artist's skill is further evident in the depiction of the subject's hair – loose, flowing curls rendered with swift, expressive strokes that contrast beautifully with the lighter tones of the face and the understated background. The clothing is subtly suggested by shadowing at the neckline, hinting at a simple, high-necked garment. The overall style is characteristic of Kneller's portraiture, focusing on capturing not just a likeness, but also conveying a sense of the sitter's personality. It's a truly intimate and engaging portrayal. Take a moment to appreciate the artist's skill in capturing the subtle nuances of human expression and form.