Man with curly hair

This intriguing artwork features a striking side-profile portrait of a man rendered in bold, gestural strokes of black pigment against a stark white background. The figure appears to have been created using ink, charcoal, or a similarly expressive medium, as evidenced by the range of deep blacks, soft grays, and textural smudges that give the work its dynamic visual energy. A large, somewhat shadowy hat crowns the subject’s head, partially obscuring his forehead and casting a faint, suggestive shade over his upper face. Despite the hat’s darkness and broad brim, the viewer can still discern the basic outline of the man’s brow and the subtle slope of his cheek. This partial concealment adds a layer of mystery and intrigue, encouraging us to imagine the unseen features and the mood hidden beneath the brim.

The subject’s profile is defined by a prominent, angular nose that extends confidently from the center of his face. Its edges are heavily outlined, and a hint of shading beneath suggests a slight downward tilt. Just above the nose lies a faint indication of his eye, which appears half-hidden in the shadow. The decision to keep the eye mostly in darkness lends the portrait a certain air of introspection or pensiveness, as though the subject is lost in thought. The man also sports a thick, bold eyebrow that mirrors the strong lines found throughout the piece.

A full mustache curves gently around his upper lip, extending out just beyond the line of his cheek, while a short, subtle beard or stubble frames his jaw. Both are rendered with quick, gestural strokes, capturing a slightly unkempt and spontaneous look. These dark marks not only emphasize the individuality of the subject—suggesting a rugged, possibly bohemian personality—but also harmonize visually with the deep blacks of the hat. The strong lines of the facial hair connect seamlessly with the other charcoal or ink lines that define his profile, creating a unified, almost continuous flow of mark-making across the paper.

In contrast to the heavier outlines of his facial features, the areas around his neck and shoulders show a lighter, more hesitant approach, with faint smudges and blurred edges. This subtlety allows the viewer’s eye to linger on the more boldly defined elements—like the nose, mustache, and hat—before drifting down to appreciate the graceful lines that shape the man’s collar and neckline. The collar itself appears simple, possibly part of a loose-fitting shirt or jacket. Intriguingly, near the throat, there are numerous overlapping and crosshatched lines, adding texture and complexity to this otherwise quieter area of the composition. These lines suggest movement or tension, hinting that the figure is not merely static but perhaps while turning his head or tilting his chin.

Meanwhile, the man’s curly hair flows from beneath the hat, rendered with dense loops and scribbles that imply volume and thickness. This technique, which contrasts sharply with the cleaner lines of the hat’s brim and the sharper angles of his facial profile, imbues the portrait with a sense of spontaneity and freedom. The curls themselves extend slightly past the nape of his neck, suggesting a casual, somewhat artistic or nonconformist style that complements the rest of his look.

The overall composition places the man slightly off-center, leaving ample negative space around the right side of the paper. This open space draws attention to the silhouette of his hat, the dramatic arch of his nose, and the distinctive edge of his jawline. The black ink or charcoal stands in stark relief against the paper’s bright, unpainted ground, creating an arresting contrast that heightens the image’s drama and impact. The stylistic choice to limit the color palette to monochromatic shades allows viewers to focus primarily on the flow of lines, the dynamic brushwork, and the subject’s expression.

There is an undercurrent of mystery to this portrait, as the subject’s downturned gaze, partially obscured eye, and overshadowed brow suggest introspection or secrecy. Yet, the energetic swirls of hair and the boldly defined facial features convey confidence and self-assurance. This tension between concealment and revelation, boldness and subtlety, enigma and expression, is at the core of the painting’s allure. From the sweeping curvature of the hat to the dark scribbles of curly hair, every stroke is suffused with movement, bringing the portrait to life and prompting viewers to contemplate the man’s story.