Head of an Old Man (a Publican?)

This head study of an old man, possibly a Publican, in the Royal Collection dates to around 1697, the period of Ricci's early maturity when he was consolidating his technical approach. Such oil sketches on paper or canvas served as character studies for figures in larger narrative compositions—the old man's weathered face and expression could serve a tax collector, a Pharisee, or any number of Gospel figures. Ricci's rapid, confident brushwork captures individual physiognomy with immediacy, demonstrating his ability to move between grand decorative schemes and intimate character studies. The Royal Collection holds numerous Ricci works acquired during his extended stay in London from 1712 to 1716.

The head study is painted with exceptional directness and fluidity, Ricci's confident brushwork modeling the elderly features with rapid, assured strokes that reveal his natural facility as a painter.