Man at Desk by Jack Beder is an 8 x 5 drawing on paper, signed and dated on the bottom left.

Pensive at the desk, this stranger is shown with an open book, analyzing what’s in front of him. The shape of his slouched posture is illustrated with such few lines and shading that it brings the eye towards his wrists, his steady hands holding the literature. The chair is pictured in the bottom right corner briefly, the slight ornamentation depicted loosely along with the accompanying desk.

Further detailing in the subject's darker hair and clothing drapery completes his full profile, which you often see shining in his drawings and lively social paintings. The composition is not rushed but strong, with precise line work and minimal hesitation. This perspective portrays Beder as close to the subject matter but far enough to get the full image of someone enthralled in leisurely reading or studying up on old topics of interest.

This piece was displayed in our Rookleys exhibition, Jack Beder: Life and Art in Canada.