huber1 Huber

The drawing presents a bust-length portrait of a man viewed in three-quarter profile. The figure is positioned slightly off-center, with his gaze directed towards the viewer. A warm, ochre-toned background dominates the composition, creating a sense of intimacy and focusing attention on the subjects face.
Here we see an intense emotionality conveyed through the man’s features. His brow is furrowed, his mouth slightly agape, suggesting either distress or a suppressed expression of pain. The eyes are wide and appear to be strained, contributing to the overall feeling of unease. A palpable sense of agitation emanates from the subject; its not merely a depiction of physical appearance but an exploration of inner turmoil.
The artist employed a rapid, almost frantic hatching technique with charcoal or a similar medium. This energetic linework contributes significantly to the emotional intensity of the piece. The lines are dense in areas of shadow and sparse where light falls, creating a dynamic interplay between dark and light that emphasizes the contours of the face and hair. The rendering of the hair is particularly noteworthy; it appears wild and unkempt, further reinforcing the impression of inner turmoil.
The neck is bare, revealing a glimpse of the upper torso, which is rendered with similar expressive linework. This partial exposure adds to the vulnerability conveyed by the portrait. A high-collared shirt or garment is suggested around the collarbone, but it’s not clearly defined, allowing the focus to remain on the mans face and emotional state.
The artist placed a date – 1522 – in the upper right corner of the drawing, providing a temporal anchor for the work. The signature “W.H.” appears in the lower left corner, identifying the creator.
Subtly, the portrait seems to explore themes of psychological distress and introspection. It is not a celebratory or idealized representation; instead, it offers a glimpse into a moment of profound emotional vulnerability. The lack of contextual details – no background beyond the warm tone, no surrounding objects – isolates the subject and intensifies the focus on his inner state.