Bust of an Unknown Man: Profile view

Profile view ; This bust is one of the earliest examples in Dutch sculpture of a realistic style of portraiture. It remains unclear who the subject is, it might possibly be the painter Joachim Wtewael. Hendrick de Keyser, who was the principal Dutch sculptor of his day, made this bust in 1606. He sculpted it in clay, which turns red when fired, forming terracotta. The sculpture was at one time painted, as can still be seen on the face. The white of the eyes and the black pupils are particularly apparent. The paint work made the striking male head even more lifelike. (http://www.rijksmuseum.nl)