Arttu Reading 1909

"Arttu Reading" is a pencil drawing created in 1909 by Finnish artist Pekka Halonen. The drawing features a close-up portrait of a man's head, possibly Arttu himself, as suggested by the title. The subject is depicted in profile, leaning forward with his head tilted down, likely lost in thought or engaged in reading. The quick, gestural strokes of the pencil capture the form of the man's face and the shadowed contours of his hair and clothing, lending the piece a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Halonen's use of line and shading creates a sense of depth and volume, giving a realistic impression despite the sketch-like nature of the drawing. The drawing's loose and expressive style exemplifies Halonen's mastery of pencil work and his keen observation of human expression.