#07701 Umberto Boccioni (1882-1916)

Here we observe a drawing executed in black chalk on paper, depicting a young persons head and shoulders. The subject is positioned facing forward, with a slight turn of the head towards the left. A close-cropped composition emphasizes the face as the primary focus.
The artist employed a delicate hatching technique to render volume and form. Light appears to originate from the upper left, casting shadows that define the contours of the nose, cheekbones, and chin. The hair is rendered with short, quick strokes, suggesting texture and movement. A distinctive head covering, possibly a turban or similar adornment, sits atop the head, its folds meticulously detailed through variations in line weight and density.
The subjects expression is ambiguous; it conveys neither overt joy nor sadness, but rather a contemplative stillness. The eyes are rendered with careful attention to detail, contributing to this sense of quiet introspection. A subtle asymmetry exists within the facial features, adding a degree of realism and individuality to the portrayal.
Beneath the image, inscriptions in script are visible. These appear to be annotations or signatures, providing contextual information regarding the creation of the drawing. The presence of these markings suggests that the work may have been part of a larger study or series.
Subtly, the drawing conveys an impression of intellectual curiosity and perhaps even a nascent sense of self-awareness within the subject. The meticulous rendering of details speaks to the artist’s observational skills and their interest in capturing the nuances of human appearance. The restrained palette and focus on tonal variations contribute to a mood of quiet dignity and introspection.