#41369 Cruzeiro Seixas

The drawing presents a fragmented portrait study executed in charcoal on paper. The composition is dominated by a frontal view of a face, rendered with stark simplicity and angularity. A limited tonal range, primarily consisting of shades of brown and grey against an aged, yellowish background, contributes to the work’s somber atmosphere.
Here we see a deliberate distortion of facial features. The eye, disproportionately large and centrally positioned, commands immediate attention. Its single, dark pupil suggests introspection or perhaps melancholy. Below it, a long, sharply defined nose descends towards a small, almost insignificant mouth. The lips are barely indicated, contributing to an overall sense of restraint and emotional detachment.
The artist has employed a linear style, utilizing thin, precise lines to delineate the contours of the face. These lines are not smooth or flowing; instead, they possess a nervous energy, suggesting a rapid, exploratory process. The neck is elongated and tapers into a sharp point, further emphasizing the figure’s fragility and vulnerability.
The background is largely undifferentiated, with only subtle variations in tone that hint at the papers age and texture. The dark areas flanking the portrait create a sense of enclosure, isolating the subject within a confined space. This framing effect intensifies the feeling of introspection and solitude.
Subtly, the drawing seems to explore themes of identity and perception. The fragmented nature of the face suggests a breakdown or questioning of conventional notions of beauty and representation. The exaggerated features could be interpreted as symbolic of inner turmoil or psychological complexity. The overall impression is one of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the fragility of human existence and the subjective nature of experience.