A forest dark, upon my chin
Thin-Faced Bearded Man
Portrait of a thin-faced, bearded man
Roman Period, A.D. 160–180, Egypt
Encaustic on limewood | MET 09.181.1
Artists began by sketching on wood panels treated with glue or wax. Beeswax mixed with pigment was applied either hot or cold. Hot wax could be pure or mixed with resin, oil, or egg, and was painted on quickly with brushstrokes—thin for backgrounds, thick for facial features. Once cooled, tools blended the wax for smooth transitions.
Cold wax required emulsification, often with egg or oil, forming what ancient sources called "Punic wax." This version dried more slowly, allowing for more control. Mummy portraits without tool marks likely used this method. While modern encaustic artists often use heated tools, ancient painters probably did not.
Though similar in form to another portrait (09.181.2), this one appears to be later, showing a man with dark hair, large eyes, tawny skin, and a thick beard. His forward-facing pose and the masterful use of light and shadow add depth and realism.
Get Your Shave on
Harry's shave sets consistently receive positive feedback for delivering a high-quality, comfortable shaving experience at an affordable price point. Many users praise the ergonomic, weighted handles, which offer a premium feel and excellent grip. The five-blade cartridges, often described as "German engineered," are lauded for providing a smooth, close shave with minimal irritation, even for those with sensitive skin.
Customers appreciate the straightforward, minimalist design of Harry's products, steering clear of the over-engineered aesthetics often seen in other brands. The open-back design of the blades is a frequently highlighted benefit, making them exceptionally easy to rinse clean of hair and shaving cream, thus prolonging blade life. The accompanying shave gels and balms also earn compliments for their pleasant scents and effective formulas, leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed. Harry's is often seen as a superior and more cost-effective alternative to traditional drugstore razors, offering a consistently good shave without the high price tag or constant product changes.
House Sandwich
This beautifully crafted roast beef sandwich from The Butchery in Crystal Cove, California, features thinly shaved roast beef, layered with fresh tomatoes, smoked gouda, crisp lettuce, pepperoncini, mayo and mustard, served with a side of pickles.
A fuzzy friend, where thoughts begin
Rugged Features
Govert Flinck
Bearded Man with a Velvet Cap, 1645
Oil on wood | MET 25.110.27
Flinck studied under Rembrandt, and according to an early biographer, he had so thoroughly absorbed his teacher’s style within a year that his paintings were sometimes mistaken for Rembrandt’s own. This tronie—a study of an expressive or distinctive face—demonstrates Flinck’s debt to Rembrandt through its flamboyant costume and close attention to the sitter’s rugged features. However, by the time he created this work, Flinck had begun to develop a smoother, more refined painting style, which would later establish his reputation as a successful society portraitist.
Eliminate Gray
Just For Men Hair Mustache and Beard consistently garners positive reviews for its remarkable effectiveness and user-friendly application. Many users highlight how effortlessly the product transforms gray or patchy facial hair, delivering a natural-looking color that seamlessly blends with their existing hair. The ease of mixing and applying the gel-based formula, often with the included brush, is a significant advantage, ensuring precise coverage without mess or dripping.
Customers frequently praise the quick results, with the dye working its magic in as little as five minutes, making it a convenient option for busy routines. Beyond just covering grays, many report that the product leaves their beard and mustache feeling softer and looking fuller. Its long-lasting color and ability to provide a youthful, refreshed appearance contribute to high customer satisfaction, making Just For Men a trusted choice for maintaining a well-groomed look.
It tickles, itches, keeps me warm
Guarantee the Purity
Hans Maler
Sebastian Andorfer, 1517
Oil on Swiss stone pine | MET 32.100.33
Hans Maler, a prominent portrait painter, was active in the bustling mining town of Schwaz, situated just east of Innsbruck. Schwaz was home to one of Europe's most prosperous silver works, a significant hub of wealth and industry. Sebastian Andorfer, depicted in this portrait at the age of forty-eight, held a key position within this enterprise.
As a "Silberbrenner" or silver refiner, his crucial responsibility was to guarantee the purity of Schwaz silver. This high-purity silver was a vital source of income for powerful entities such as the Habsburg Archduke Ferdinand and the influential Fugger family of Augsburg, both of whom also commissioned portraits from Hans Maler.
Viking Revolution
A key beneficial feature is the use of natural and organic ingredients in their oils and balms, such as argan and jojoba oil, which are highly effective at moisturizing both the beard and the underlying skin. This helps to eliminate common issues like beard itch, dryness, and flakiness, leaving facial hair feeling softer and looking healthier. The boar bristle brushes are lauded for their ability to detangle, smooth, and evenly distribute products, while the wooden combs prevent static and snagging. Many reviews highlight the pleasant yet subtle scents available, from sandalwood to unscented options, catering to diverse preferences. Users consistently report a noticeable improvement in the manageability, shine, and overall appearance of their beards, making Viking kits a popular choice for achieving a well-groomed and imposing look
666 Sandwich
Not one, but two types of shaved meat make this sandwich a heavyweight contender. Hollingshead's Delicatessen in Orange, California, does not disappoint. In addition to an impressive sandwich lineup, they also offer a wide variety of draft beers. Don’t miss out on the Demon:
Turkey, Pastrami, Swiss, Mayo, Mustard, Lettuce, Tomato — all stacked on a toasted Onion Roll.
A winter shield against the storm
Generalized or Stylized
Mask (Sōmen)
Japanese, 15th century
Iron, lacquer, hair, textile (silk) | MET 14.100.33
This is one of the earliest surviving examples of a full-face mask, or somen. It is especially rare in that it is modeled after a specific character from Noh drama—the joyful old man, Okina, recognizable by his distinctive white eyebrows and beard. Unlike most somen, which are more generalized or stylized, this mask reflects a theatrical tradition and character rooted in ritual performance and auspicious symbolism.
Get Jacked
Every Man Jack offers a beard thickening cream designed to give the appearance of a fuller, more voluminous beard without leaving a greasy residue. This product is often highlighted for its naturally derived ingredients, including Biotin, Vitamin B6, and Soy Protein.
Biotin is known to help strengthen hair, while Vitamin B6 can support healthy growth and combat breakage. Soy Protein works to coat the hair, contributing to a thicker look and improved sheen and volume. Many positive reviews commend its immediate "plumping" effect, making the beard appear more dense and manageable after just one application. Users also appreciate its quick absorption, non-sticky feel, and pleasant, often subtle, scents like sandalwood. Every Man Jack's thickening cream is generally well-regarded for its ability to reduce patchiness, improve texture, and leave the beard feeling softer and looking healthier.
It catches crumbs and coffee sips
High Status
Head of a Ruler
Early Bronze Age, 2300–2000 BCE, Mesopotamia
Copper alloy | MET 47.100.80
This life-size copper alloy head likely represents a king or elite figure, as indicated by its fine craftsmanship, costly material, and naturalistic features. The detailed beard, mustache, and turban signify high status, while the individualized facial features suggest it may be a rare portrait. Once believed to be solid, the head was later found to contain a clay core and metal supports—an early example of hollow lost-wax casting. A square peg at the neck indicates it was originally mounted on a separate body, possibly made of a different material.
Straightener Grooming Kit
The Grow A Beard Kit delivers a complete grooming experience, anchored by its innovative electric heated comb. This versatile tool straightens, volumizes, or curls any beard type with ease, offering salon-quality results at home or on the go. Designed specifically for facial hair, it features compact bristles and dual heat settings (up to 440°F) to tame even the thickest beards.
The kit also includes a full set of premium grooming essentials: a beard brush, nourishing oil, shaping balm, razor, shampoo, conditioner, double-sided comb, and stainless steel mustache scissors—everything you need to maintain and style your beard.
Perfect for any occasion, this all-in-one set suits beards of every length and texture. Backed by a satisfaction guarantee, the Grow A Beard Kit is a smart, gift-ready upgrade to any grooming routine.
Argentine Italian Take
This delicious cold cut sandwich from Puerto Madero in Santa Ana, California, is a prized blend of Italian tradition with an Argentine twist. Layers of shaved mortadella, salami, and ham are paired with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and a touch of mayonnaise, all nestled in freshly baked pan francés—perfect for a satisfying afternoon bite.
A furry frame for smiling lips
Commanding Symmetry
Chotu
Maharaja Sardar Singh of Bikaner, ca. 1860–70
Opaque watercolor, ink & gold on paper
Maharaja Sardar Singh (r. 1851–72) is captured here in an extraordinary portrait whose creator was undoubtedly aware of the inroads photography was making among royal patrons. At first glance, the work seems one of almost photographic realism. However, Chotu has carefully manipulated the painting's elements to play two and three-dimensional forms against one another, achieving a slightly surreal effect that is heightened by the composition's commanding symmetry, even down to the cleft beard and the bosses on the shield. The regularity is offset by the asymmetry of the pleated shawl and garment and by the fantastical turban, which is like some postmodern assemblage crowning the brooding visage.
Beard Boost
The Wild Willies Beard Care Kit is a complete grooming solution designed to promote growth, reduce frizz, and enhance overall beard health. It includes Wild Willies Beard Butter to combat split ends and unruly hair, along with the Beard Boost Serum to thicken and strengthen facial hair. The kit also features a Beard Straightening Brush with three heat settings—up to 400°F—for a smooth, frizz-free finish every time.
Formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and biotin, these products are free from harsh chemicals, preservatives, and artificial colorants, ensuring both your beard and skin stay healthy. Together, they work to soften coarse hair, reinforce follicles, and deliver a thicker, smoother, and more manageable beard.
Proudly made in the USA, Wild Willies is committed to helping men look and feel their best—living boldly and staying wild. Each kit includes a 2 oz tin of Beard Butter and a 1 fl oz bottle of Beard Boost Serum.
But now, the razor’s keenest gleam
Mustachioed Man Wearing a Yoke
Ball Player, 7th–10th century
Mexico, Mesoamerica, Veracruz
Ceramic, paint, slip | MET 1989.28
This mold-made ceramic figure depicts a bearded, mustachioed man wearing a ballgame yoke around his waist, designed to protect him from the hard rubber ball used in play. He wears cylindrical ear ornaments, and beneath his arm is a baton-like object, possibly linked to a local version of the Mesoamerican ballgame. The rules and style of play varied across regions and evolved over time. While surviving evidence suggests that human sacrifice was a frequent outcome, the game may also have served recreational or other ceremonial purposes.
Originating from ancient Veracruz, this Nopiloa figure reflects cultural exchange with other Mesoamerican societies and features motifs commonly seen in Maya art. Knotted ties around the wrist and neck resemble Maya visual language for captured prisoners, while the flanged headdress bears a design similar to the Maya mat, a symbol of rulership. Like many Maya figurines, the hollow body of this figure also functions as a whistle, likely used in ritual or ceremonial contexts.
Human Hair Facial Hair Beard
Crafted from human hair, this versatile costume facial hair is your secret weapon for adding instant interest and intrigue to nearly any look. It's the perfect accessory for costumes, parties, theater productions, film sets, and a myriad of other occasions where you want to stand out. While this stylish addition is sure to make you look fashionable, cool, and undeniably chic, remember you'll need to supply your own spirit gum and remover, as they aren't included in the package.
Reveals a face, a brand new dream
Classic Films
Union Soldier and Barber, 1861–65
Tintype with applied color | MET 2012.326
According to official U.S. Army regulations issued in 1861, all soldiers were required to keep their hair short and their beards neatly trimmed. However, after Abraham Lincoln grew his beard following his election in November 1860, many Union soldiers chose to let their own whiskers grow. Those who preferred to stay clean-shaven often relied on fellow soldiers or civilian camp followers for grooming, as few carried straight razors, scissors, or mirrors. This occupational portrait of a soldier receiving a shave is one of the few known depictions of a Civil War barber at work.
Straight Razor Kit
Experience the closest, smoothest shave possible with this luxury straight razor kit for men. Crafted with a durable Damascus steel, shave-ready blade, it delivers uncompromising precision and performance for a barbershop-quality shave at home. This all-inclusive set features a premium brush, enhanced strop, and natural shaving soap for a rich lather and a flawless grooming ritual. It's the perfect gift for the stylish man in your life, backed by a dependable warranty that ensures your satisfaction. Invest in looking good and feeling great with this exceptional men's shaving kit.