#15617 Paolo Ricci

The drawing presents a male figure in a seated pose, his body angled slightly towards the viewer. He is depicted from the chest upwards, with arms crossed over his torso. The face exhibits pronounced features: large, almond-shaped eyes that convey an intense gaze, a prominent nose, and thin lips set in what appears to be a contemplative expression. His hair is neatly cropped, framing the face with sharp lines.
The artist employs a stark, graphic style characterized by bold outlines and minimal shading. The figure’s musculature is suggested through simplified forms rather than detailed anatomical rendering. A network of fine, agitated lines fills the background, creating a sense of visual turbulence that contrasts with the relative stillness of the central subject. These lines appear almost chaotic, yet they are contained within the borders of the composition.
The inscription NAPOLI 1928 is visible on the figure’s left wrist, providing contextual information regarding location and date of creation. This detail introduces a layer of personal significance, potentially linking the portrait to a specific individual or event in the artists life.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest an exploration of identity and introspection. The directness of the gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, inviting scrutiny and perhaps prompting questions about the subject’s inner state. The crossed arms can be interpreted as a gesture of self-protection or defensiveness, hinting at vulnerability beneath a composed exterior. The agitated background lines might symbolize internal conflict or the pressures surrounding the individual depicted. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of psychological complexity through its formal elements and subtle gestures.