Strij van Abraham Man with fur hat Sun Abraham van Strij

The drawing presents a male figure in profile, rendered primarily through charcoal and pastel on paper. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, his gaze directed towards the right of the frame. He wears a fur hat that obscures much of his hair, its texture meticulously captured with short, energetic strokes. A loosely tied neckcloth sits against a dark jacket, the collar of which is also lined with fur, creating a visual echo with the headwear.
The artist’s handling of light and shadow contributes significantly to the works character. The face is illuminated from an unseen source, highlighting the prominent nose and strong jawline. This lighting creates a sense of depth and volume, while simultaneously emphasizing the subject’s stoicism or perhaps even melancholy. The shading around the eyes suggests introspection rather than outward engagement.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette reinforces its focus on form and texture. The limited range of tones allows for a nuanced exploration of surface qualities – the softness of the fur, the crispness of the jacket fabric, the smoothness of the skin. This emphasis on materiality lends a tactile quality to the image.
Subtly, theres an air of formality about the subject’s posture and attire, suggesting a person of some standing or importance. The fur hat, in particular, implies warmth and perhaps even status, hinting at a connection with colder climates or a certain level of affluence. However, the somewhat hasty execution of the drawing – the visible strokes and lack of meticulous detail beyond the face – suggests it might be a study or preparatory sketch rather than a finished portrait. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity combined with an underlying sense of vulnerability, conveyed through the subject’s gaze and the artists sensitive rendering of his features.