#19974 Manuel Ruiz Pipo

The drawing presents a figure rendered in charcoal or graphite, exhibiting a pronounced sense of weariness and introspection. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, positioned slightly off-center within the frame. A dark cap obscures much of the hair, emphasizing the deeply etched lines around the eyes and mouth – features that suggest advanced age and a life marked by hardship.
The artist has employed a loose, expressive hatching technique to build up tonal values, creating a sense of texture and volume. The shading is particularly dense around the face, highlighting the prominent brow ridge and the hollows beneath the cheekbones. This contributes to an overall impression of gravity and melancholy. A cigarette is held between the figure’s fingers, adding another layer of complexity; it could signify relaxation, defiance, or a coping mechanism for stress.
To the left of the subject, a glass of wine sits on what appears to be a table surface, indicated by faint lines suggesting its edge. The presence of alcohol hints at an attempt to find solace or escape from some unseen burden. The figure’s posture is slightly slumped, with one hand resting on what seems to be a jacket lapel, conveying resignation and perhaps a sense of being weighed down.
The background is minimally defined, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the individual and his internal state. Theres an intentional lack of detail that amplifies the feeling of isolation and introspection. The drawing’s monochromatic palette reinforces this mood, stripping away any potential distractions from the raw emotionality conveyed by the subject’s features and posture. It is a portrait not merely of physical appearance but of a lived experience – one characterized by fatigue, contemplation, and a quiet struggle.