The driver of Tram 28, Lisbon — Charcoal on Paper by Arnaud Quercy

About This Artwork

This charcoal drawing explores urban portraiture through geometric abstraction, capturing the essence of Lisbon's famous Tram 28 operator within the Mediterranean Echoes collection. Quercy transforms the human figure into interlocking planes and angular forms that fragment and reassemble the subject's presence. The work examines how mechanical repetition and daily routine can be expressed through cubist visual language.

Steel gray tones dominate the composition, with warm yellow-orange hues creating substantial areas throughout the geometric structure. The charcoal medium allows for rich tonal variations that shift from deep shadows to lighter passages, building volume through contrast rather than traditional modeling. Angular planes intersect and overlap, creating a sense of movement that mirrors the mechanical rhythm of tram operations. The paper surface holds the charcoal marks with precision, enabling sharp edges alongside softer transitions.

The drawing measures 21.0 × 29.5 cm and forms part of the Mediterranean Echoes collection, which captures urban scenes and characters from Southern European cities. The work carries certificate of authenticity number 20221231-0060, with the artist's signature on the back. Created in 2022, this contemporary piece demonstrates Quercy's approach to modernist portraiture within an intimate format.