Ingres Lord Granham Thomas Philip Robinson Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1780-1867)

The drawing presents a young man in a formal pose, rendered with meticulous detail and a clear emphasis on linear precision. He stands facing forward, his body angled slightly towards the viewer, creating a sense of approachable confidence. The subject is dressed in attire indicative of early 19th-century fashion: a tailored coat buttoned at the waist, close-fitting breeches tucked into high boots, and a cravat around his neck. A hat rests casually in his left hand, contributing to an air of relaxed elegance rather than rigid formality.
The artist’s handling of light and shadow is subtle yet effective. The face exhibits carefully modeled planes, suggesting a youthful complexion and a contemplative expression. The rendering of the fabric textures – the sheen of the coat, the smoothness of the breeches, the rougher appearance of the boots – demonstrates considerable technical skill. Lines are used with purpose to define form and create depth; there is an absence of broad shading or tonal variation, which contributes to the drawing’s crispness and clarity.
Behind the figure, a faint sketch of a cityscape appears, likely representing a distant view of Rome. This background element is rendered in a much looser style than the portrait itself, appearing almost as an afterthought. It serves to contextualize the subject within a specific location while simultaneously minimizing its prominence, ensuring that the focus remains firmly on the individual depicted.
Subtly, the drawing conveys notions of status and refinement. The quality of the clothing, the posture, and the overall presentation suggest a person of means and social standing. The inclusion of Rome as a backdrop hints at travel, education, or perhaps even diplomatic service – activities associated with the elite classes of the time.
The inscription in the lower left corner, Jürgen Tahl...Rome…1816, provides a temporal anchor for the work and suggests that it may be a preparatory study for a larger composition. The drawing’s overall effect is one of restrained elegance and quiet dignity, characteristic of Neoclassical portraiture while hinting at emerging Romantic sensibilities in its focus on individual character and subtle emotional nuance.