#37631 Monzon

The drawing presents a portrait study executed in graphite on paper. The subject is depicted from the chest up, facing directly toward the viewer. A dark background isolates the figure, emphasizing its features and creating a sense of intimacy.
Here we see a man with a pronounced brow line and deeply set eyes that convey an impression of intense observation or perhaps weariness. His gaze appears direct, almost challenging, yet theres a subtle softening around the mouth suggesting a complex emotional state – perhaps resignation or quiet contemplation. The artist has rendered the hair in short, deliberate strokes, creating texture and volume; it falls forward onto the forehead, partially obscuring the hairline.
The shading is carefully controlled to model the planes of the face, highlighting the cheekbones and jawline. A collar appears around the neck, indicated by a few simple lines that suggest a shirt or jacket. The artist’s signature, “R Monzon,” along with the year 1934, is located in the lower right corner.
The drawings monochromatic palette contributes to its somber mood and lends it a timeless quality. It suggests an exploration of character rather than a superficial likeness. The simplicity of the execution – the lack of color, the directness of the gaze – implies a focus on psychological depth over aesthetic embellishment. One might interpret this as a study in human resilience or a meditation on the burdens of experience.