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Nathaniel -
It's really beautiful. I think it was in one of your posts that you commented how difficult it is to copy from one format into another (using different media, or in this case, a different toned paper or support). I've read that when you use a wood palette and are painting on a, say, grey-toned support, you end up having to translate the colors. This may be great and surprising if you're painting from life, where "accidents" are sometimes a great part of the process. But in a copy it's more difficult if the audience expects to see an exact replica.
This brings me to the only criticism of your drawing compared to the original: yours seems starker, with fewer middle tones. Because of the original's cooler and somewhat darker grey tone, the middle tones are richer, and your drawing is more "black and white" if this makes any sense. Maybe you simply need more hatch shading?? I am also a beginner, so don't know exactly what else to say.
Also, there's a quality to all the old masters drawings I've seen, and it seems to be the "mortise and tenon" approach (Bridgman refers to this) to rendering the human form that is the heart of the difference. If you get a chance, I highly recommend any of the Bridgman guides to human anatomy. After reading him, I understand more clearly the look of the old master drawings. I'll post a passage if I can figure it out.
So from one beginner to another, Good Luck!!
_Mari
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