Portrait of a Man (Souvenir d'un Passage à Paris)
1898
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1898
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch is a portrait of a man, drawn in graphite on card. The subject is depicted from the chest up, facing forward with his head turned slightly to the left. He has a mustache and is wearing a collared shirt and jacket. The drawing is rendered in loose, expressive lines, with visible cross-hatching that gives the image a sense of texture and depth. The overall effect is one of quiet introspection, as if the subject is lost in thought. The sketch is a beautiful example of Impressionist technique, with its emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and shadow. To learn more about this style, explore the works of artists associated with the Impressionism movement.
