Self-portrait. 1813-1816 Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799-1852)

The drawing presents a bust-length portrait of a young man rendered in graphite on paper. The subject is positioned facing forward, his gaze directed slightly upwards and towards the viewers left. A sense of quiet introspection emanates from his expression; it isn’t overtly joyful or sorrowful, but rather contemplative.
The artist has employed a loose, expressive style. Hatching and cross-hatching are utilized to model form and create tonal variation, particularly evident in the depiction of the hair and clothing. The hair is rendered with short, energetic strokes that suggest volume and texture; it falls loosely around his face, framing it without concealing any features.
The subject’s attire consists of a high-collared jacket or coat, the details of which are sketched with a degree of precision. The buttons are indicated by small, circular marks, adding to the sense of realism. The rendering of the fabric appears somewhat casual, suggesting an unstudied moment rather than formal presentation.
The background is left largely undefined, fading into darkness and drawing attention solely to the figure. This stark contrast enhances the subject’s presence and isolates him within the composition.
Subtly, theres a vulnerability conveyed through the directness of the gaze and the relatively unadorned depiction. The lack of elaborate detail or ornamentation suggests an emphasis on inner character rather than outward display. It is possible to interpret this as a study in self-awareness, a moment captured where the subject appears to be examining himself both physically and emotionally. The drawing’s simplicity lends itself to a sense of intimacy, as if the viewer has been granted access to a private reflection.