#53056 France

The drawing presents a frontal portrait of a man, rendered in a style characterized by rapid, gestural marks and a limited tonal range. The subject is positioned centrally within the composition, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes an immediate connection. His facial features are sharply defined – a prominent nose, strong jawline, and closely cropped dark hair – suggesting a certain intensity or seriousness of character.
The artist employed a technique involving dense hatching and cross-hatching to create areas of shadow and suggest form. This approach lends the portrait a sense of immediacy and rawness, as if captured in a fleeting moment. The background is indistinct, treated with similar scribbled marks that unify the composition while preventing distraction from the central figure.
The clothing – a high-collared shirt or jacket – is indicated through quick lines suggesting folds and texture. A handwritten inscription appears at the upper right corner, identifying the location as Roma. This detail provides a contextual anchor, situating the portrait within a specific geographical setting. The lower left corner also contains writing, though it is less legible.
Subtleties in the drawing suggest more than just a straightforward likeness. There’s an underlying melancholy conveyed through the subjects expression and the somber palette of browns and ochres. The rapid execution and lack of meticulous detail might imply a sense of introspection or even weariness on the part of the sitter, or perhaps reflect the artist’s own state of mind during its creation. The direct gaze, combined with this underlying mood, invites contemplation about the subjects inner life and experiences. The inscription Roma could be interpreted as more than just a location; it might signify a period of exile, artistic exploration, or personal transformation for the individual depicted.