Ingres Jean Pierre Cortot Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1780-1867)

The drawing presents a young man in a three-quarter pose, his gaze directed towards the viewer. He is depicted with a relaxed posture; his arms are crossed loosely over his chest, suggesting a casual confidence or perhaps a moment of contemplation. The artist employed a delicate pencil technique, utilizing varied line weights to define form and create subtle tonal shifts. The face exhibits a youthful quality, characterized by soft features and an expression that appears both amiable and intelligent.
The man’s hair is styled in the fashion of the early nineteenth century, with loose curls framing his face. He wears a formal coat, fastened at the waist with buttons, and a neatly tied bow tie, indicating a degree of social standing or refinement. The artists attention to detail in rendering the fabric folds suggests an interest in capturing not only likeness but also texture and material quality.
The background is left largely unrendered, allowing the figure to dominate the composition. This minimalist approach focuses the viewer’s attention entirely on the subject. A signature appears at the lower right corner, indicating authorship and date of creation. The inscription à Cortot suggests a dedication or personal connection between the artist and the portrayed individual.
Beyond the straightforward portraiture, there is an underlying sense of intimacy conveyed through the drawings informal pose and direct gaze. It could be interpreted as a study intended for a larger work, or perhaps a private memento capturing a specific moment in time. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and understated elegance, characteristic of Neoclassical sensibilities while hinting at emerging Romantic tendencies.