Twelve Portraits; Sir Henry Hawkins Eugene Grasset (1841-1917)

The artwork presents a half-length portrait of a man in formal attire. He is positioned against a stark black background that emphasizes his figure and clothing. The color palette is restricted primarily to ochre, cream, and black, contributing to a sense of austerity and formality.
Here we see the subject wearing a judicial wig, a dark robe with cream-colored trim, and what appears to be a waistcoat or shirt collar visible at the neck. He holds a pen in his right hand, resting on a surface that is partially obscured by the folds of his robe. His posture suggests contemplation; he leans slightly forward, his gaze directed downwards, conveying an impression of seriousness and perhaps weariness.
The artist employed a simplified style with bold outlines and flat planes of color. Theres a deliberate lack of shading or nuanced detail, which lends the image a graphic quality reminiscent of woodcuts or lithographs. The limited tonal range contributes to a sense of monumentality despite the relatively small scale implied by the composition.
The name William Nicholson appears in the upper left corner, indicating the artist’s authorship. Below the figure, the inscription “Sir Henry Hawkins” identifies the subject. This pairing suggests that the work is intended as an official or commemorative portrait.
Subtleties within the image hint at a deeper narrative. The downward gaze and slightly slumped posture might suggest burdens of responsibility or the weight of legal decisions. The pen held in his hand could symbolize justice, authority, or perhaps the act of judgment itself. The overall effect is one of dignified solemnity, portraying a man of considerable stature and experience within a formal setting.