Ds-Nicholas de Grandmaison 47 Nicholas De Grandmaison

Here we observe a portrait study executed in pastel on paper. The subject is an Indigenous man, likely Plains Indian based on his attire and facial features. He occupies nearly the entire frame, presented from the chest upwards, angled slightly towards the viewer.
The artist has rendered the face with a directness that emphasizes its weathered character. Deep lines etch themselves around the eyes and mouth, suggesting age and experience. The skin tones are muted, ranging from pale ochre to reddish-brown, capturing the effects of sun exposure and perhaps hardship. A prominent nose and strong jawline contribute to an impression of resilience. His expression is somber; a quiet gravity resides in his gaze, which seems both penetrating and distant.
The man wears traditional regalia. A vibrant red neckerchief, loosely knotted, draws attention to the throat and chest. Long, dark hair falls forward, partially obscuring one eye. A single feather is secured within his hair, signifying a possible spiritual or ceremonial significance. The background is indistinct, rendered in soft washes of green and brown that do not compete with the subject’s presence but rather serve to isolate him further.
The artists technique is characterized by visible pastel strokes, which lend texture and immediacy to the work. There is an economy of detail; clothing and hair are suggested rather than meticulously depicted, focusing attention on the man’s face and its emotional weight. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and introspection.
Subtexts within this portrait suggest a complex relationship between observer and observed. The directness of the gaze implies a challenge or an invitation to understanding. The somber expression might convey a sense of loss, resilience in the face of adversity, or perhaps simply the weight of history. The inclusion of traditional regalia hints at cultural identity and continuity within a changing world. The inscription below the image – Tough Bread, Pustam Blood Indian Standoff, Alberta 1952 – provides contextual information that suggests this is not merely a generic portrait but a specific representation of an individual connected to a particular place and time, potentially highlighting themes of displacement or cultural preservation.