#11428 Ricart

The drawing presents a full-length portrait of a man in contemporary attire. The artist employed a limited palette of warm tones – primarily ochre and brown – resulting in a muted, almost sepia-toned aesthetic. This restricted color range contributes to the works overall sense of intimacy and immediacy.
Here we see a gentleman dressed in a tailored suit, complete with a waistcoat, tie, bowler hat, and polished shoes. He carries a cane in his left hand, suggesting an air of refinement and leisure. The artist has rendered the figure with loose, expressive lines, prioritizing gesture over precise detail. This approach lends a sense of spontaneity to the depiction, as if capturing a fleeting moment.
The man’s facial expression is somewhat ambiguous; it could be interpreted as either amused or slightly melancholic. His gaze appears directed off-canvas, suggesting introspection or perhaps an awareness of being observed. The posture – a slight forward lean – implies a certain confidence and engagement with the world.
Subtly, the drawing seems to explore themes of social status and identity. The man’s clothing signifies his belonging to a particular class, while the loose rendering of his features hints at a desire to move beyond superficial appearances. The cane, a traditional symbol of authority and elegance, further reinforces this sense of established position.
The background is left largely undefined, which directs the viewers attention entirely onto the figure. This isolation emphasizes his individuality and invites speculation about his character and circumstances. The signature at the bottom right corner, rendered in a similar style to the drawing itself, adds a personal touch and reinforces the sense of an intimate encounter with the subject.