Self Portrait 1810 Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840)

Here we observe a portrait study rendered in graphite on paper. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, facing directly towards the viewer with a gaze that appears both intense and troubled. A loosely draped garment covers the shoulders, its folds indicated through careful shading which contributes to the overall sense of volume and texture.
The artist has focused intently on capturing the nuances of the sitter’s facial expression. The brow is furrowed, suggesting deep thought or perhaps distress. The mouth is set in a firm line, hinting at suppressed emotion. A slight asymmetry in the features adds to the impression of psychological complexity. The eyes are particularly striking; they possess an unsettling directness that draws the viewer into the subject’s internal state.
The treatment of hair and beard is noteworthy. Both are rendered with meticulous detail, utilizing a dense network of short, swirling lines to convey texture and volume. This technique creates a sense of restless energy around the face, contrasting with the stillness of the gaze. The artists use of light and shadow emphasizes the contours of the face, highlighting the bone structure and adding depth to the portrait.
Beyond a straightforward representation, this drawing seems to explore themes of introspection and self-scrutiny. The unidealized depiction of the subject suggests an attempt at honesty and psychological realism rather than mere physical likeness. The overall effect is one of vulnerability and quiet intensity, inviting speculation about the sitter’s inner life and the circumstances that might have prompted such a penetrating self-examination. Its possible to interpret this as a visual record of a moment of profound personal reflection.