Self-Portrait Boris Grigoriev (1886-1939)

The composition presents a figure in profile, dominating the vertical format. He is positioned slightly off-center, creating a sense of imbalance and unease. The subject wears a wide-brimmed hat that casts his face into shadow, obscuring much of his expression while emphasizing the downward slant of his mouth and the visible smoke curling from between his lips. His clothing consists of a dark, heavy coat with a high collar, contributing to an overall impression of somberness and perhaps confinement.
Behind the figure, a fragmented architectural backdrop emerges. A tower-like structure is discernible, punctuated by clock faces that suggest a preoccupation with time or a sense of being trapped within its constraints. The color palette here is muted – creams, browns, and oranges – but a splash of red on what appears to be a roofline introduces a jarring element, disrupting the otherwise subdued tones.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, eschewing precise detail in favor of conveying mood and emotion. Lines are bold and angular, contributing to a sense of tension and psychological complexity. The figures posture – shoulders hunched, head tilted downwards – communicates weariness or introspection. The inclusion of the cigarette reinforces this feeling of melancholy and perhaps resignation.
Subtly, there is an element of theatricality at play. The pose feels staged, as if the subject is presenting himself for observation. This self-awareness adds another layer to the work, suggesting a consideration of identity and representation. The fragmented background hints at a disrupted or fractured reality, possibly reflecting an internal state of turmoil. Overall, the painting conveys a powerful sense of isolation, introspection, and a quiet defiance conveyed through posture and expression.