Portrait Of A Man, Early 19th Century – Charcoal With Gouache Highlights

An elegant portrait of a man depicted in a three-quarter view from the waist up, executed in charcoal enhanced with gouache on paper.

The subject wears a dark suit with a high collar and a white tie, characteristic of men’s fashion in the early 19th century. The short hairstyle, similar to the so-called “à la Titus” style, also helps date this portrait to the first decades of the 19th century.

The drawing is distinguished by the fineness of the facial rendering, particularly the eyes, the hair, and the modeling of the features. The clothing is rendered in a freer, more sketchy manner, focusing attention on the model’s facial features.

The work is presented in a beautiful and substantial wooden frame with gilded stucco, richly molded and adorned with foliage, palmettes, and neoclassical motifs. The width and quality of this frame lend great presence to this small-format portrait.

The drawing is set within an oval opening, with an elegant mounting featuring several gilded borders.