Profile of a Bearded Old Man Looking Right 1765 - 1810

Jakob Matthias Schmutzer created this drawing, Profile of a Bearded Old Man Looking Right, using red chalk on paper. The drawing’s effect is immediate, commanding our attention through its controlled handling of line and shading. Schmutzer coaxes a range of textures from the chalk, from the dense cross-hatching that defines the side of the man's neck to the looser, more gestural marks suggesting the volume of his hair and beard. Light and shadow are carefully modeled, giving the face a sculptural presence. The contrast between the detailed rendering of the face and the more broadly sketched hair creates a dynamic tension, drawing our eye to the man’s thoughtful expression. Note the absence of background detail which isolates the figure. This enables the viewer to focus on the psychological depth conveyed through the man's averted gaze and furrowed brow. Schmutzer’s exploration of form and texture encourages us to contemplate the nuanced interplay between representation and expression.