#19477 Marino Marini

The drawing presents a portrait in profile, executed primarily with charcoal on what appears to be textured paper. The subject is a man, depicted from the chest upwards, his face turned sharply towards the viewers left. A high collar or scarf obscures much of the upper torso and neck, contributing to a sense of formality and restraint.
The artist’s handling of light and shadow creates a dramatic effect. Strong illumination highlights the nose and forehead, emphasizing their prominent features while plunging the rest of the face into deep shadow. This contrast intensifies the subjects expression, which appears strained or anguished. The mouth is slightly open, suggesting either speech or an involuntary reaction to some unseen stimulus.
The drawing’s composition is stark; the figure is positioned centrally against a dark background that eliminates any sense of spatial context. This isolation further concentrates attention on the man’s face and its emotional state. The artist has employed loose, gestural strokes, particularly evident in the rendering of the hair and background, which lends an immediacy and rawness to the work. These marks are not intended for precise detail but rather to convey a sense of movement and underlying tension.
Subtly visible at the lower right corner is what appears to be a signature or inscription, rendered in a similar charcoal style. The texture of the paper itself contributes significantly to the overall effect, adding visual interest and a tactile quality that enhances the drawing’s expressive power. It suggests an unfinished study, perhaps a preliminary sketch for a larger work, but one possessing considerable artistic merit on its own.

The emotional weight conveyed by this portrait hints at themes of inner turmoil or suppressed emotion. The subjects posture and facial expression suggest a man grappling with internal conflict or experiencing profound distress.