Head of an Old Man c. 1883

Santiago Rusiñol created this drawing, "Head of an Old Man," using simple yet expressive strokes. Rusiñol was a key figure in the Catalan Modernisme movement, which sought to redefine Catalan identity in the face of rapid industrialization and cultural change. The drawing presents us with the profile of an older man. The lines around his eye and mouth suggest a life fully lived, perhaps marked by hardship. The man’s gaze is directed away from us, inviting speculation about his thoughts and experiences. Rendered with a soft, almost melancholic touch, the drawing transcends a mere physical portrayal. Rusiñol's work often explores the emotional states of his subjects, and here we might consider how age and experience shape one’s identity. The drawing invites empathy and reflection on the human condition and the passage of time. Rusiñol captures a sense of dignity and quiet resilience in his subject.