Albrecht Dürer's pencil drawing shows how an economical use of carefully controlled line can suggest fine detail. The gradation of curved lines in the hair, beard and around the contours of the face build up convincing textures and a solid three dimensional form.

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Durer’s control of line is clearly visible in the fine gradations of confident, complex curves in the build up of hair texture. Delicate contour shading broken by understated areas of simplicity keep the drawing interesting.