img819 Odilon Redon (1840-1916)

The drawing presents a male portrait in profile, executed with charcoal and ink on paper. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, his gaze directed towards the viewers left. A neatly trimmed beard and mustache are visible, suggesting a degree of refinement or status. The hair appears somewhat disheveled, falling loosely around the forehead and temples.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes tonal variation through subtle gradations of shading. This creates an impression of volume and depth, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the facial features and beard. Light seems to originate from the upper left, casting shadows across the right side of the face and contributing to a sense of three-dimensionality. The use of hatching and cross-hatching is evident, adding texture and complexity to the shading.
The composition’s simplicity directs attention directly to the subjects countenance. There are no background elements or distractions; the focus remains solely on the individual’s presence. This lack of context lends a certain universality to the portrait, suggesting it might be intended as an idealized representation rather than a specific likeness.
Subtly embedded within the drawing is a sense of introspection and perhaps even melancholy. The downward cast of the eyes, combined with the muted tones and understated expression, evokes a feeling of quiet contemplation. It’s possible that the artist sought to capture not just physical appearance but also an element of psychological depth. The presence of annotations at the bottom suggests this was likely a study or preparatory work for a larger piece, underscoring its value as a record of artistic process and exploration.