“Ayuba – A Study After William Hoare"

This portrait is a personal study inspired by William Hoare’s 18th-century depiction of Ayuba Suleiman Diallo — a West African Muslim scholar who was enslaved and later freed in Britain.
The original work is among the earliest known British portraits of a Black sitter portrayed with dignity and intellect.
This interpretation reflects on classical drawing techniques while paying homage to a powerful historical figure and a rare moment of humanising representation in European portraiture.

Graphite on A4 toned paper, framed.