#29917 Ismael Smith

The drawing presents a profile portrait, executed in charcoal and pastel on paper. The subject is depicted from roughly the level of the ear upwards, filling most of the frame. A muted palette dominates; earthy tones of brown, grey, and ochre are employed, with subtle touches of pink highlighting the lips and cheeks.
Here we see a figure possessing an angularity that suggests both strength and a certain austerity. The brow is pronounced, casting shadows over the eye, which appears intense and observant. The nose is long and straight, contributing to the overall impression of a resolute character. The mouth is slightly parted, hinting at a suppressed expression – perhaps weariness or quiet contemplation.
The hair is rendered in short, choppy strokes, suggesting a deliberate lack of ornamentation or fuss. It frames the face without softening its features; instead, it reinforces the sense of directness and unadorned presence. The ear is meticulously detailed, demonstrating an attention to anatomical accuracy that contrasts with the more expressive handling of other areas.
The background is deliberately indistinct, composed of loose charcoal markings that create a textural field rather than defining spatial depth. This lack of context serves to isolate the figure, drawing focus entirely onto their countenance.
Subtly embedded within the work are indications of emotional complexity. The slight downturn of the mouth and the shadowed eye suggest an underlying melancholy or introspection. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and a sense of inner resilience. The inscription at the bottom right – Ismaelsmith, Paris, 1913 – provides temporal and geographical context, anchoring the portrait within a specific historical moment and artistic milieu.