FRIANT Emile - Original pencil drawing on paper "Portrait" 19x15cm - 1914

In this remarkable Portrait, executed in 1914, Émile Friant reveals the full subtlety of his talent as a draughtsman and his extraordinary sense of observation. Depicted as a half-length, three-quarter view, the male sitter stands out for his imposing moustache, expressive face and slightly lowered gaze, marked by a calm self-assurance. The particularly subtle treatment of shadow and light gives the face a striking sense of relief, while the precision of the features brings out the wrinkles, the texture of the skin and the nuances of the hair. True to his naturalist approach, Friant does not simply seek to reproduce a physiognomy: he captures a presence, a personality, a certain inner life. The contrast between the meticulous modelling of the face and the freer hatching of the costume bears witness to a remarkable command of the pencil. The deliberately spare composition lets the paper breathe and concentrates all attention on the sitter's expression, lending this portrait a timeless elegance.

This original pencil drawing on paper, measuring 19.3 x 15.8 cm, is of particular interest for its intimate character and quality of execution. Dated 1914, annotated and signed at the bottom right by Émile Friant, the work bears a handwritten dedication that adds a further personal and historical dimension. Created at a time when the artist already enjoyed solid recognition, this portrait perfectly illustrates the qualities that made his reputation: exceptional graphic virtuosity, great psychological sensitivity and a remarkable fidelity to reality. The spontaneity of the lines, combined with the precision of the modelling, gives this sheet a rare presence. An original work full of character, particularly appealing to collectors of early drawings and enthusiasts of the Lorraine school, offering an authentic and refined testimony to the art of portraiture by one of the great masters of French Realism.