A refined 1886 graphite portrait by Dutch artist August Le Gras, capturing a man with precision and subtle tonal depth.

This graphite portrait by the Dutch artist August Le Gras, dated 1886, captures a mature man in a formal attire. The artist employs a disciplined approach to shading, using the graphite to define the contours of the face and the texture of the subject's clothing. The composition is a classic bust-length portrait, focusing the viewer's attention on the sitter's expression and the subtle play of light across his features.

Le Gras demonstrates a high degree of technical control in this work. The lines are precise, particularly around the eyes and mouth, where the artist captures the signs of age with clarity. The shading is applied in soft, layered strokes, creating a sense of volume and depth without relying on heavy contrast. The subject wears a high-collared shirt and a dark waistcoat, rendered with looser, more gestural marks that provide a visual balance to the tighter execution of the face.

As a piece of late nineteenth-century portraiture, this drawing reflects the period's interest in observational accuracy and the psychological presence of the sitter. The neutral background ensures that the focus remains entirely on the individual, whose steady gaze suggests a quiet, contemplative character. The work is signed and dated by the artist in the lower left corner, confirming its provenance as an early example of his practice. This print offers a clean, monochromatic aesthetic that fits well within a variety of interior settings, providing a sense of historical continuity and refined craftsmanship.