Jean Dubuffet Portrait de Michel TapiГ© 39756 1146 часть 3 -- European art Европейская живопись

The drawing presents a portrait rendered in graphite on paper. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, facing forward with a direct gaze. A pronounced sense of asymmetry characterizes the features; the eyes are disproportionately large and positioned unevenly, contributing to an unsettling effect. The nose is elongated and angular, while the mouth appears small and compressed between prominent cheekbones.
The artist employed a loose, gestural line throughout, eschewing precise detailing in favor of capturing an impressionistic likeness. Hatching and cross-hatching are utilized to suggest shading and volume, particularly on the forehead and around the eyes. The hair is indicated by short, choppy strokes that convey texture rather than specific strands.
The neck appears elongated and slender, leading down to a suggestion of formal attire – a jacket with a visible collar and tie. This detail implies a certain social standing or professional context for the subject.
A handwritten inscription in the upper right corner identifies the sitter as Michel Tapié, while another signature at the bottom left designates the artist. The placement of these inscriptions, seemingly added after the main drawing was completed, suggests a degree of casualness and perhaps even a spontaneous creation.
The overall effect is one of deliberate distortion and simplification. It moves away from traditional portraiture conventions, prioritizing expressive qualities over realistic representation. This approach could be interpreted as an attempt to convey not just physical appearance but also psychological or emotional characteristics – a sense of intellectual intensity or perhaps even a subtle critique of societal norms associated with the subject’s position. The drawings rough execution and unconventional proportions contribute to a feeling of immediacy and intimacy, suggesting a personal connection between artist and sitter.