PAJOU, Augustin
(b. 1730, Paris, d. 1809, Paris)

Head of a Bearded Elder

1768
Terracotta, height 55 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Pajou created several character studies of old men, unconnected with other projects and not portraits. The present study is a vivid description of a bearded older man who stares ahead with a fierce expression. The brows jut so far out that the sculptor must have intended them to cast the eyes in shadow, adding to the sense of menace.