“Portrait of a Bearded Young Man Reading” is a 1972 expressionist portrait by artist Beauford Delaney. The artwork depicts a young man engrossed in reading, characterized by its vibrant colors and expressive brushwork typical of the expressionist movement.
The artwork presents a young man with a distinct beard, attentively engaged in reading a book. His auburn hair and beard stand out prominently against a visually dynamic backdrop featuring hues of green and blue. The subject’s shirt is rendered in a mixture of pastel tones, imbuing the scene with a sense of texture and depth. The book in the young man’s hands is painted a vivid yellow and orange, contrasting the cooler tones in the background and drawing the viewer’s attention to the act of reading itself. The brushstrokes are bold and expressive, capturing the introspective moment with emotional intensity. The overall composition exemplifies Delaney’s adept skill in using color and form to convey the personality and contemplative mood of the subject.
