cr RobinWood PoP 64 LordRatoshigan Robin Wood

Here we observe a portrait drawing executed in colored pencil on what appears to be textured paper. The subject is a middle-aged man depicted from the chest up, facing forward with a slight turn towards the viewers left. His expression is one of quiet composure; a subtle smile plays on his lips, and his eyes convey an impression of intelligence and perhaps a touch of amusement.
The artist has rendered the man’s hair in short, choppy strokes, suggesting graying or thinning at the temples. The skin tones are carefully modeled with shading to indicate volume and form. A prominent collar, sharply delineated in red and white, frames his neck and draws attention to the upper portion of the composition. This detail introduces a visual element that seems incongruous with the otherwise realistic portrayal, hinting at a possible symbolic or narrative layer.
The background is rendered in muted earth tones, providing a neutral backdrop that allows the subjects features to remain the focal point. A border frames the drawing, adding a sense of formality and containment. Beneath the image, the name Ratoshigian is inscribed in a neat hand, followed by a signature and date (Robin Wood 1982). The presence of this inscription suggests that the subject may be an individual of some significance to the artist or the context from which the drawing originates.
Subtextually, the portrait seems to explore themes of character and identity. The man’s calm demeanor and subtle smile suggest a personality marked by self-assurance and perhaps a degree of irony. The unusual collar introduces an element of mystery; it could represent professional affiliation, membership in a particular group, or simply be a stylistic choice intended to add visual interest. The overall effect is one of understated dignity and quiet observation, inviting the viewer to contemplate the subjects story beyond what is immediately visible.