Caricature of a Man with Bushy Hair (1495)

The "Caricature of a Man with Bushy Hair," sketched by the illustrious Leonardo da Vinci in 1495, presents a striking study in character portrayal through art. This drawing is a fine example of Leonardo's often overlooked but remarkably expressive caricatures. Unlike his famous detailed anatomical sketches and refined paintings like the Mona Lisa, this work explores Leonardo's interest in the human condition through exaggerated facial features.In this caricature, Leonardo captures the essence of his subject with energetic strokes, sketching a man whose face is twisted in an animated expression. The man's eyes are small and keen, peering from beneath a mass of wildly unkempt, bushy hair that seems almost alive with its dynamic and rough texture. His nose is boldly pronounced, and his open mouth appears mid-gesture, adding to the dynamism of the portrait.The artwork not only showcases Leonardo's meticulous attention to detail and his mastery in capturing human emotions but also reflects his deep interest and humor in portraying the more eccentric characters of society. It is a vivid example of how Leonardo could convey a narrative and breathe life into paper with just a few deft strokes of his drawing tool.