Portrait of Théodore Ballu 1830 - 1875

Isidore Pils's "Portrait of Théodore Ballu" is a graphite drawing created between 1830 and 1875. The work depicts Théodore Ballu, likely a prominent figure of the time, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a cloak, seated and holding a pipe and a fan. Pils's use of line and shading to create a sense of depth and form is characteristic of his style. The drawing's minimalist composition and focus on the subject's thoughtful expression convey a sense of contemplation and quietude. The graphite medium adds to the drawing's sense of intimacy and immediacy, capturing the artist's keen observation of his subject. This is a powerful portrait of a 19th-century figure.