#52682 Germany

The drawing presents a bust-length portrait of a man rendered in a reddish-brown chalk on prepared paper. The figure is positioned at a slight three-quarter angle, directing his gaze towards the viewer with an intensity that dominates the composition. His expression conveys a complex mixture of emotions – anguish, perhaps, or intense concentration bordering on distress. The mouth is slightly open, revealing teeth and suggesting a suppressed gasp or cry.
The artist has employed vigorous hatching and cross-hatching to model the form, creating a palpable sense of texture across the face and body. Light appears to emanate from the upper left, illuminating the cheekbones, brow ridge, and the unruly curls that frame his face. These curls are rendered with a frenetic energy, contributing to the overall feeling of agitation. The neck is thick and muscular, merging seamlessly into broad shoulders. A faint indication of chest hair adds to the impression of physicality.
The background is uniformly colored, allowing the figure to stand in stark relief. This lack of contextual detail focuses attention entirely on the man’s psychological state. The date 1522 is inscribed in the upper right corner, providing a temporal anchor for the work. A small signature appears near the lower left.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest deeper layers of meaning. The exaggerated features and dramatic lighting evoke an emotional intensity characteristic of certain artistic movements. The man’s gaze, while direct, seems to penetrate beyond the surface, hinting at introspection or a confrontation with inner turmoil. The overall effect is one of psychological realism, conveying not merely a likeness but also a sense of the sitters internal world. It suggests a study in human emotion and perhaps an exploration of the burdens of thought or experience.