Portrait of Charles Terrasse Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919)

The composition presents a bust-length portrait of a man viewed in profile, his gaze directed downwards and slightly away from the viewer. He is depicted with a dense, dark beard that obscures much of his lower face, contributing to an overall impression of solemnity or introspection. The hair, similarly dark and voluminous, frames his head and adds to the sense of weight and presence.
The artist employed a muted palette dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and blacks – which lends a somber quality to the work. Brushstrokes are visible and expressive, particularly in rendering the beard and hair where they appear almost sculpted with paint. The application is loose and textured, suggesting an emphasis on capturing the essence of the subject rather than precise detail. Light falls primarily from the left, illuminating one side of his face and creating subtle gradations of tone that define the contours of his features.
The background is a flat, indistinct green, serving to isolate the figure and direct attention towards him. The lack of environmental context reinforces the sense of an individual study, focused on character rather than narrative. There’s a certain austerity in the presentation; the subject appears unadorned, suggesting a focus on inner qualities over external display.
Subtly, there is a feeling of melancholy or quiet contemplation conveyed through his lowered gaze and the restrained color scheme. The density of the beard and hair could be interpreted as symbolic of strength or perhaps even a deliberate attempt to conceal vulnerability. Overall, the work conveys an impression of a man of intellect and seriousness, engaged in private thought.