Ingres Charles Francois Mallet Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1780-1867)

The drawing presents a man in outdoor attire, positioned in a three-quarter view that emphasizes his posture and clothing. He stands before a backdrop suggesting a cityscape, with architectural elements discernible on the right side of the composition. The artist has rendered the scene primarily in pen and ink, utilizing hatching and cross-hatching to create tonal variations and define form.
The man’s attire is particularly noteworthy; he wears a substantial double-breasted coat, draped over his shoulders, revealing a waistcoat beneath. His boots are high and laced, indicative of practical travel wear. He holds what appears to be a satchel or small bag in his left hand, angled towards the viewer. The details of his face – the slightly furrowed brow, the set jawline – suggest a contemplative or perhaps even serious demeanor.
The architectural backdrop is less detailed but provides context. A building with classical features and a balustrade is visible, along with what seems to be a bridge or elevated walkway receding into the distance. The cityscape appears somewhat austere, contributing to an overall sense of formality and restraint.
Subtleties within the drawing hint at deeper meanings. The man’s pose – standing slightly apart from the viewer, yet facing forward – suggests both confidence and a degree of detachment. His clothing implies someone of means or importance, accustomed to travel and perhaps engaged in official duties. The cityscape, while not overtly dramatic, establishes a sense of place and suggests that this individual is connected to a larger world beyond his immediate surroundings.
The inscription in the lower right corner adds another layer of information, providing a date – 1809 – which anchors the work within a specific historical timeframe. This detail reinforces the impression of a portrait intended to document an individual at a particular moment in time and place.