Self Portrait With Cap And Sighting Eye Shield Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840)

The drawing presents a bust-length portrait executed in brown ink and watercolor washes on paper. The subject is depicted from the chest up, turned slightly towards the viewer. A distinctive feature immediately draws attention: a cap with a visor partially obscuring one eye. This element lends an air of secrecy or deliberate concealment to the figure’s expression.
The artist employed a rapid, gestural line to define the form, particularly evident in the rendering of the hair and clothing. The lines are not consistently dark; instead, they vary in intensity, creating a sense of movement and immediacy. Watercolor washes soften some areas, notably around the face and collar, contributing to a delicate luminosity despite the limited palette.
The subject’s gaze is directed outward, beyond the frame, suggesting introspection or observation. The mouth is rendered with a slight upward curve, hinting at amusement or perhaps a quiet self-awareness. A decorative object hangs from the neck; its form is vaguely discernible but lacks precise detail, indicating its less important than the overall impression of the individual.
The background is left largely unrendered, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the subject. The inscription in the upper left corner provides a date – 1802 – and what appears to be an initialed signature. This contextual information anchors the work within a specific timeframe and suggests a personal connection between the artist and the portrayed individual.
Subtleties in the drawing suggest several possible interpretations. The obscured eye could symbolize a deliberate attempt at privacy, or perhaps represent a metaphorical blindness to certain aspects of reality. The cap itself might be indicative of a particular profession or social standing, though its precise significance remains ambiguous without further context. Ultimately, the work conveys an impression of quiet contemplation and self-possession, inviting viewers to ponder the subject’s inner world and the circumstances surrounding this intimate portrayal.