William Butler Yeats John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)

The drawing presents a portrait study executed in charcoal or graphite on paper. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, facing directly toward the viewer with a gaze that appears both intense and slightly melancholic. A palpable sense of immediacy emanates from the work; it feels less like a finished piece and more like a rapid exploration of form and character.
The artist employed a loose, gestural style. Lines are not consistently defined but rather suggest volume and texture through varying degrees of pressure and shading. The face is rendered with a focus on capturing the play of light and shadow, emphasizing the prominent brow ridge, the slight curve of the lips, and the hollows beneath the cheekbones. This contributes to an overall impression of introspection and perhaps even weariness.
The subject’s hair falls in dark, unruly waves around his face, partially obscuring one eye. This asymmetry adds a layer of complexity to the portrait, preventing it from becoming overly symmetrical or idealized. The clothing – a jacket with a loosely tied bow tie – is rendered with less detail than the facial features, serving primarily as a backdrop that further directs attention towards the subject’s countenance.
The background is entirely dark, devoid of any discernible details. This stark contrast intensifies the focus on the figure and creates a sense of isolation or confinement. The inscription at the top right corner, though illegible in detail, suggests this is a personal study or perhaps a preliminary sketch for a larger work.
Subtly, there’s an air of vulnerability conveyed through the subjects direct gaze and the unfinished quality of the drawing. It hints at a personality that is both thoughtful and somewhat guarded, inviting speculation about his inner life while maintaining a certain distance. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity tinged with a sense of underlying sadness or contemplation.