The bust of a man in profile Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

This is a drawing in brown chalk on a beige background, depicting the bust of a man in profile, facing right. The man has a rugged, weathered appearance, with a prominent nose, a furrowed brow, and deeply set eyes. His hair is curly and somewhat disheveled. The rendering of his neck and chin suggests a heavy build and possibly advanced age, with visible wrinkles and folds of skin. His mouth is set in a grim or thoughtful expression.
The drawing is characterized by loose, expressive lines and subtle shading, which create a sense of volume and texture. The artist has effectively captured the musculature and bone structure of the face and neck, as well as the rough texture of the skin. The background is left largely unrendered, focusing the viewers attention entirely on the subject.
The subtext of this portrait lies in its raw and unflinching depiction of the human form. It is not an idealized representation, but rather a study of character and the effects of time and experience on an individual. The mans expression conveys a sense of gravitas, perhaps hinting at a life of hardship, wisdom, or contemplation. The work invites the viewer to ponder the inner life of the subject, the stories etched onto his features, and the universal aspects of aging and human resilience. The detailed rendering of the face suggests an interest in anatomical accuracy and a deep observation of human physiognomy.