Autorretrat 1925 Pere Daura

The drawing presents a portrait study executed in pen and ink on paper. Here we observe a man depicted from the chest upwards, facing directly towards the viewer. The artist has rendered him with a pronounced intensity of gaze; the eyes are large and sharply defined, conveying an impression of introspection or perhaps even scrutiny.
The facial features are angular and somewhat stylized, suggesting a deliberate departure from strict naturalism. A thin mustache is visible above the upper lip, contributing to the overall sense of formality. The hair is cropped short, with a few strands sketched in a swirling pattern atop the head.
The subject’s attire consists of what appears to be a collared shirt or sweater, indicated by a series of parallel lines that suggest texture and folds. These lines are rendered with varying degrees of pressure, creating subtle tonal variations across the garment. A signature is visible in the lower right corner, executed in a cursive script.
The drawing’s aesthetic leans towards an expressive style, prioritizing line work and gesture over meticulous detail. The use of hatching and cross-hatching contributes to the creation of volume and depth, particularly around the face and neck.
Subtly, there is a sense of restraint present within the composition. While the gaze is direct, it lacks overt emotion; instead, it suggests a controlled self-awareness. This, combined with the formal attire and stylized features, hints at an individual conscious of his public persona or perhaps engaged in a process of self-examination. The simplicity of the medium – pen and ink on paper – further reinforces this sense of directness and unadorned observation.