#31282 Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901)

The drawing presents a portrait study of a young man in profile. The subject is positioned centrally against a warm, earthy-toned background that appears to be paper or cardboard. He wears a dark beret which casts shadows across his forehead and upper face, contributing to a sense of depth and volume. A scarf or cravat is loosely knotted at his neck, rendered with quick, expressive brushstrokes in shades of blue and brown.
The artist employed a loose, gestural style; lines are fluid and often unfinished, suggesting an emphasis on capturing the essence of the subject rather than meticulous detail. The face itself is characterized by sharp angles and a somewhat melancholic expression. The eyes are suggested with minimal markings, yet convey a sense of introspection. A slight downturn to the mouth reinforces this impression.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of browns, ochres, blues, and blacks. These colors contribute to a muted, somber mood. Theres an intentional lack of blending; individual brushstrokes remain visible, adding texture and dynamism to the composition. The overall effect is one of immediacy and spontaneity.
Inscribed in the lower right corner are notations – Pour HG 15ELS followed by a signature – indicating that this was likely created as a gift or presented to someone identified with those initials. This inscription provides context, suggesting a personal connection between the artist and the subject. The presence of these markings also disrupts the formal composition, reminding the viewer of the work’s creation process and its intended recipient.

The drawings simplicity and directness suggest it may be an exploratory study or a preliminary sketch for a larger work. It conveys a sense of quiet contemplation and hints at a deeper psychological portrait beyond mere physical representation.