leyden3 Lucas Van Leyden (1494-1533)

The drawing presents a male figure in a three-quarter pose, gazing slightly upwards and towards the viewers left. He is depicted wearing a soft, voluminous beret that casts shadows across his forehead and cheekbones, contributing significantly to the modeling of his features. The artist has rendered the fabric of the hat with meticulous detail, using closely spaced parallel lines to suggest texture and form.
The man’s face exhibits a thoughtful expression; his mouth is closed, suggesting composure or perhaps introspection. His eyes are rendered with careful attention to light and shadow, conveying a sense of alertness and intelligence. The artist employed cross-hatching extensively throughout the drawing, particularly in areas of shadow, to create depth and volume. This technique is especially evident in the rendering of the neck and collar, which appear layered and textured.
The figure’s clothing appears simple – a collared garment with vertical lines suggesting pleats or folds. The artists use of line work here reinforces the sense of three-dimensionality. A small inscription, seemingly an identification mark, is visible on the upper left side of the composition.
Beyond the straightforward portraiture, there’s a subtle suggestion of self-awareness within the image. The direct gaze and the slightly elevated posture imply a certain confidence or perhaps even a desire for recognition. The meticulous rendering of detail suggests not only technical skill but also a deliberate effort to capture an essence beyond mere physical likeness. It is possible that the work functions as a study, exploring techniques of light and shadow, or it could be intended as a preliminary sketch for a larger composition.