Ingres Victor Dourlen Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1780-1867)

The drawing presents a young man in profile, set against a cityscape backdrop. The subjects gaze is directed towards the viewer, creating a direct and somewhat intimate connection. His hair is rendered with dense, swirling lines that suggest volume and texture; it frames his face, emphasizing its youthful features. He wears what appears to be a draped garment, loosely gathered across his shoulders, which contributes to an impression of relaxed informality. The artist employed hatching and cross-hatching techniques extensively to model the forms, creating tonal variations and depth within the composition.
Behind the figure, a cityscape unfolds. A prominent dome punctuates the skyline, suggesting a location with architectural significance – likely a European city. The buildings are sketched with a degree of detail that indicates an observational study rather than a purely imaginative construction. The horizon line is relatively low, allowing for a clear view of the sky and emphasizing the urban setting.
Beneath the portrait, a small architectural sketch appears, possibly depicting a building facade or a section of a structure. This element seems to be integrated into the composition as an afterthought, perhaps intended as a visual key or a personal memento related to the location depicted in the background.
Inscribed at the bottom are words written in elegant script. The text provides information about the subject and the date of creation, suggesting this is a commissioned portrait or a work produced for a specific individual. The inscription lends an air of formality and personalization to what might otherwise be perceived as a casual study. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of youthful vitality combined with a refined artistic sensibility, demonstrating both observational skill and a degree of personal connection to the subject and setting.