#23757 Juan Romero

The drawing presents a portrait study executed in black ink on white paper. A male figure dominates the composition, depicted from the chest upwards against a stark, contrasting background. The subjects gaze is directed forward, conveying a sense of introspection or perhaps mild discomfort. He wears glasses with thick frames that partially obscure his eyes, contributing to an air of intellectualism and detachment. His hair is rendered with quick, energetic lines suggesting volume and texture. A dense beard covers the lower portion of his face, adding to the overall impression of seriousness.
The artist employed a deliberate use of line weight to define form and create depth. Thick outlines delineate the major contours of the face and clothing, while finer lines are used for shading and detailing, particularly in the rendering of the beard and the textured fabric of the jacket. The jacket itself is patterned with a complex arrangement of stripes and small geometric shapes, adding visual interest and complexity to the composition.
Perched on his shoulder is a stylized bird, its form simplified into essential lines. This inclusion introduces an element of unexpected symbolism. Birds often represent freedom, observation, or communication; their presence here might suggest a commentary on the subjects character or situation – perhaps implying a sense of being watched, or a longing for something beyond his immediate circumstances.
The date 7-V-93 is inscribed in the lower left corner, providing a temporal anchor to the work. The stark contrast between the figure and the background, coupled with the directness of the gaze, creates an intimate yet somewhat unsettling portrait. It’s a study that seems less concerned with idealization than with capturing a specific moment and personality – a fleeting impression rendered with economical means.