Ingres Franz Liszt Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1780-1867)

The drawing presents a young man in a three-quarter pose, facing forward with a slight turn of his head towards the viewers left. He is depicted against a warm, ochre-toned background that appears aged and textured, contributing to an overall sense of intimacy and immediacy. The artist employed a technique primarily reliant on graphite or charcoal, creating a tonal range from light highlights to deeper shadows which define form and volume.
The subject’s hair is rendered with quick, energetic strokes, suggesting both texture and movement; it falls loosely around his shoulders and frames his face. His features are finely observed: the high forehead, the slightly melancholic gaze, and the delicate curve of his lips all contribute to a portrait that conveys intelligence and sensitivity. The clothing – a dark jacket or coat with a visible waistcoat – is sketched with careful attention to detail, indicating an awareness of social standing and refinement.
The composition is relatively simple, focusing entirely on the figure. Theres a deliberate lack of background details beyond the tonal field, which serves to isolate the subject and direct the viewer’s focus onto his expression and demeanor. The artist has placed the signature in the lower right corner, written in an elegant script that adds another layer of formality to the work.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest a deeper psychological portraiture. The slight downward tilt of the mouth could imply introspection or perhaps a hint of sadness. The directness of his gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, inviting contemplation on his character and inner life. The aged background might allude to the passage of time or the enduring nature of artistic representation itself. Overall, the drawing conveys an impression of quiet dignity and intellectual depth, hinting at a complex personality beneath a composed exterior.