Sketchbook Drawing Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891)

The drawing presents two distinct figures rendered in a rapid, gestural style on what appears to be lightly ruled paper. The overall impression is one of immediacy and preliminary study rather than a finished work.
Dominating the lower portion of the composition is a portrait of a man, depicted from the chest upwards. He possesses a prominent beard and mustache, meticulously indicated with short, parallel strokes that suggest texture and volume. His gaze is directed slightly off to his left, conveying an air of contemplation or perhaps mild melancholy. The artist has captured a sense of character through the rendering of facial features – the furrowed brow, the slight downturn of the mouth – all achieved with minimal linework. A collar is suggested around his neck, and the lines defining it are similarly economical, prioritizing suggestion over detail.
Above this portrait, positioned towards the upper right corner, sits a figure on horseback. The horse’s anatomy is sketched with energetic strokes, emphasizing its musculature and dynamic pose. The rider appears to be holding something – perhaps a riding crop or a similar implement – pointed upwards, suggesting an action or gesture. A hat adorns the riders head, adding another layer of detail to this secondary figure.
The placement of these two figures within the sketchbook page is significant. They do not interact directly; instead, they occupy separate spaces, creating a sense of visual separation and perhaps implying distinct narratives or studies. The fact that they are rendered in a sketchbook suggests an exploratory process – a preliminary investigation of form and character before committing to a more definitive representation.
The light ruling on the paper itself contributes to the drawing’s overall feel. It provides a subtle grid-like structure, which may have served as a guide for proportion or composition during the sketching process. The lack of shading or tonal variation further reinforces the impression of a quick study, prioritizing line and gesture over nuanced modeling.

The subtexts within this drawing are open to interpretation. The portrait could represent a personal acquaintance, a character being considered for a larger work, or simply an exercise in capturing likeness. Similarly, the figure on horseback might be part of a narrative scene yet to be fully developed. Ultimately, the value of this drawing lies not in its finished appearance but in its revealing glimpse into the artist’s creative process – a moment of observation and preliminary exploration.