#37891 Egon Schiele (1890-1918)

The drawing presents a portrait study executed in charcoal on paper. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, facing directly toward the viewer with a somber expression. A wide-brimmed hat dominates the upper portion of the composition, casting shadows across the face and contributing to an overall sense of enclosure.
Here we see a young person, likely male, dressed in formal attire: a dark suit jacket and a crisp white shirt adorned with a patterned tie. The artist has rendered the clothing with careful attention to texture, suggesting the fabrics weight and drape through variations in charcoal density. The hat’s brim is broad and slightly upturned, obscuring part of the forehead and emphasizing the intensity of the gaze.
The face itself is characterized by large, dark eyes that convey a feeling of melancholy or introspection. The mouth is set in a firm line, further reinforcing this mood. Theres an ambiguity to the subject’s features; they are neither overtly masculine nor feminine, contributing to a sense of androgyny. This lack of definitive gender markers might suggest a deliberate exploration of identity or a questioning of conventional roles.
The artist has employed a limited tonal range, primarily relying on shades of gray to create form and depth. The use of hatching and cross-hatching is evident in the rendering of the clothing and facial features, adding visual interest and texture. A signature appears in the upper right corner, accompanied by a date – 22.IX.06 – providing contextual information regarding its creation.
Subtly, the portrait seems to explore themes of introspection and perhaps even alienation. The subjects direct gaze, combined with the somber expression and formal attire, suggests a person burdened by thought or circumstance. The hat could be interpreted as a symbol of disguise or protection, hinting at a desire to conceal oneself from the world. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of quiet intensity and psychological depth.