Emile Bernard Louis Anquetin (1861-1932)

The artwork presents a portrait rendered in pastel, depicting a man in profile facing left. The subject is positioned centrally within the composition, filling most of the frame. He wears a dark hat that casts shadows across his face and obscures part of his forehead. A neatly trimmed mustache adorns his upper lip, contributing to an air of cultivated respectability.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and greens – which contribute to a sense of quiet introspection. The background is rendered in broad strokes of green, providing a contrasting backdrop that emphasizes the subject’s form. A touch of orange appears near the top right corner, adding a subtle warmth to the overall color scheme.
The application of pastel is characterized by visible marks and layered textures, suggesting an immediacy and spontaneity in the creative process. The lines are not entirely precise; instead, they possess a certain looseness that conveys a sense of observation rather than meticulous representation. This approach lends a degree of informality to the portrait, moving away from traditional academic conventions.
The man’s gaze is directed towards the distance, his expression unreadable yet contemplative. He appears lost in thought, suggesting an inner life beyond what can be readily perceived. The hat and neatly groomed mustache might indicate a certain social standing or adherence to societal norms, while the overall mood of quiet reflection hints at a more complex personality.
The composition’s simplicity – the single figure against a muted background – focuses attention entirely on the subjects character and presence. It is not merely a likeness but an attempt to capture something of his essence through visual means.