Self-portrait Boris Grigoriev (1886-1939)

The portrait presents a close-up view of a man facing directly toward the viewer. His gaze is intense and unwavering, creating a palpable sense of direct engagement. The artist has rendered his features with a degree of realism tempered by expressive brushwork; the skin tones are not uniformly smooth but rather built up from layers of ochre, umber, and touches of pink, suggesting both vitality and vulnerability.
The man’s hair is dark and curly, falling loosely around his face. The texture is conveyed through short, energetic strokes that capture a sense of movement and volume. He wears what appears to be a simple shirt or blouse with a collar, rendered in muted whites and blues, which contrasts subtly with the reddish-brown tones of his jacket.
The background is indistinct, composed of washes of warm colors – primarily pinks and browns – that seem to dissolve into the surrounding space. This lack of detail draws attention solely to the figure’s face and expression. The lighting appears to originate from a source slightly above and to the left, casting subtle shadows that define the contours of his features and add depth to the composition.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of physical appearance, the painting conveys an impression of introspection and perhaps even melancholy. There is a certain weariness in the set of his mouth and the slight droop of his eyelids. The directness of his gaze suggests not only confidence but also a willingness to be seen – to present himself openly, flaws and all. This quality lends the portrait a profound sense of psychological complexity; it’s less about outward presentation and more about an exploration of inner character. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and understated emotional depth.