Portrait of an old man 15 - 1884

Louis Eysen created this portrait of an old man with graphite on paper. The drawing is characterized by a soft, diffused quality, creating a contemplative mood. The portrait is constructed through delicate lines and subtle gradations of tone. Eysen’s technique emphasizes the play of light and shadow on the man’s face, accentuating the wrinkles and contours that speak to age and experience. Notice how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up the tonal range, creating depth and volume with economical means. The figure’s gaze is directed upwards, lending him an air of pensiveness, which invites reflection on the human condition. The composition is carefully balanced, with the figure occupying the majority of the space, yet integrated with the background to prevent a sense of isolation. This highlights the formal techniques Eysen uses to invite the viewer to think beyond the surface appearance, touching on philosophical themes of time and mortality.