A precise graphite portrait of a young man by Dutch artist Simon Moulijn, dated 1922. This study captures the subject with clean lines and subtle shading.

This graphite study by the Dutch artist Simon Moulijn captures a young man seated in a formal chair. Dated 28 December 1922, the work displays the precise, controlled draughtsmanship characteristic of Moulijn's graphic output. The subject is depicted in a three-quarter view, wearing a suit and tie, with his hands resting calmly in his lap. The artist employs subtle shading to define the contours of the face and the folds of the clothing, creating a sense of volume without relying on heavy contrast.

Moulijn, known for his contributions to Dutch graphic arts and his role in the development of the lithographic medium in the Netherlands, demonstrates here a focus on clarity and observation. The inscription 'AET 18' indicates the age of the sitter, providing a specific temporal context to the portrait. The composition is contained within a simple border, a common feature in Moulijn's prints and drawings, which directs the viewer's attention to the quiet, introspective expression of the young man. The background remains largely unadorned, allowing the figure to occupy the space with a sense of stillness.

This drawing reflects the artist's interest in the human form and his ability to render personality through minimal means. The lines are deliberate and clean, showing a mastery of the pencil that translates well into the medium of fine art prints. The work is an example of early twentieth-century portraiture, where the focus remains on the psychological presence of the sitter rather than decorative embellishment. It offers a glimpse into the social and aesthetic sensibilities of the period, captured through the lens of a skilled observer of the human condition.