img318 Ernst Fuchs

Here we observe a portrait study executed in charcoal on paper. The subject is a man depicted from the upper torso upwards, turned slightly towards the viewers left. The composition emphasizes the head and shoulders, with minimal background detail.
The artist employed a technique of bold hatching and cross-hatching to render form and volume. Strong tonal contrasts define the planes of the face, particularly around the nose, cheekbones, and brow ridge. This creates an impression of considerable age and perhaps even weariness. The eyes are rendered with large pupils, contributing to an expression that appears both vulnerable and intensely observant. A slight downturn of the mouth suggests a melancholic or contemplative mood.
The hair is indicated by loose, flowing lines, suggesting receding hairline and volume at the crown. The neck is depicted as thick and substantial, adding to the overall impression of physical presence.
Subtleties in the drawing suggest an exploration of character rather than a straightforward likeness. The exaggerated features – the prominent nose, deep-set eyes, and pronounced brow – could be interpreted as an attempt to convey inner qualities or psychological states. There is a sense of immediacy and directness in the execution; the sketch feels like a rapid capture of a fleeting moment or impression.
The presence of visible lines and corrections throughout the drawing reveals the artists process of observation and refinement, suggesting that this is a study intended to explore form and expression rather than a finished work. The inscription at the bottom left corner indicates notations related to the subject’s features, further reinforcing the sense of it being a working sketch.