#54320 England

The drawing presents a close-up portrait, seemingly a self-portrait given the intimate perspective. The subjects face is centrally positioned and dominates the composition. A dense mane of hair, rendered with vigorous, short strokes, envelops the head, obscuring much of the forehead and hairline. This creates an immediate sense of enclosure and perhaps introspection.
The artist employed a limited tonal range, primarily relying on variations in charcoal density to define form. The face itself is modeled with subtle gradations, suggesting bone structure beneath the skin. A prominent brow ridge contributes to a somewhat brooding or melancholic expression. The eyes are rendered with careful attention; they appear large and intense, conveying a sense of inward focus rather than direct engagement with the viewer.
The background is largely indistinct, composed of similar charcoal markings that blend into the surrounding space. This lack of detail further emphasizes the subject’s isolation and directs the gaze towards the face. The texture of the paper itself is visible, adding to the drawings raw and immediate quality.
A date, 1823, appears in the lower corner, inscribed with a delicate hand. It suggests a moment captured in time, an attempt at self-scrutiny or perhaps a record of a particular emotional state. The overall effect is one of quiet intensity and psychological depth; it’s not merely a likeness but an exploration of character and feeling. The drawings simplicity and directness contribute to its power, inviting contemplation on the subject’s inner world.