10self Matthias Grunewald

The drawing presents a male figure in a three-quarter pose, his gaze directed slightly upward and to the left. The subject appears to be middle-aged, with a receding hairline and a full beard streaked with grey. His expression is complex; it conveys weariness, perhaps even melancholy, but also an underlying intelligence and intensity.
The artist employed a technique of layered hatching and cross-hatching to build up tonal values and create a sense of volume. The lines are not uniform in weight or direction, contributing to the drawing’s dynamism and suggesting a rapid execution. A palpable energy emanates from the work, hinting at an immediacy of observation.
The figure holds what appears to be a stylus or small brush in his right hand, poised near his lower lip as if he is about to write or sketch. This detail suggests a connection to artistic creation, and potentially self-reflection. The presence of initials – A.A. – integrated into the upper left corner further reinforces this notion of authorship and personal identification.
The background is minimal, consisting primarily of lightly rendered lines that suggest a textured surface. This lack of detailed setting focuses attention entirely on the subject’s face and expression. The overall effect is one of introspective contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the sitters inner life and creative process. There is an undeniable sense of vulnerability conveyed through the directness of the gaze and the unidealized depiction of age and weariness.