Josep Maria Sert Ramon Casas i Carbo (1866-1932)

The drawing presents a portrait study, executed in charcoal and with evident traces of erasing on a warm-toned paper background. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, facing forward with a direct gaze. He wears a hat that casts shadows across his face, partially obscuring the eyes and contributing to an air of quiet intensity. A neatly trimmed mustache and beard further define his features.
The artist has employed a loose, gestural style; lines are not consistently precise but rather suggest form through varying degrees of pressure and shading. The jacket is rendered with broad strokes, indicating a focus on capturing the overall shape rather than intricate detail. This approach lends a sense of immediacy to the work, as if it were created rapidly in response to the subjects presence.
The background remains largely unworked, allowing the viewer’s attention to remain focused on the figure. The subtle tonal variations within the paper itself contribute to the overall warmth and texture of the piece. A signature is visible at the lower right corner, executed with a similar charcoal technique.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a man, the drawing conveys an impression of self-possession and perhaps even a degree of melancholy. The directness of his gaze suggests confidence, while the shadows across his face hint at underlying complexity or introspection. It is likely that this work served as a preparatory study for a larger piece, demonstrating the artists exploration of form and character before committing to a more finished composition.