Portrait of Ivan Petrovich Wolfe. 1811 Paper, Italian pencil. 26, 9h22, 1 Tver Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The drawing presents a bust-length portrait of a gentleman, rendered in Italian pencil on paper. The subject is positioned at a slight angle to the viewer, his gaze directed towards the left side of the composition. He appears to be middle-aged, with a rounded face and receding hairline, suggesting maturity and perhaps some degree of prosperity.
The artist has employed a delicate hatching technique to model the form, creating subtle gradations of light and shadow that define the contours of the face and neck. The hair is rendered with short, quick strokes, conveying texture and volume. A high-collared coat, meticulously detailed with precise lines, frames his shoulders, indicating a formal attire appropriate for a portrait. Beneath the coat, a white shirt collar and cravat are visible, adding another layer of refinement to his appearance.
The background is minimally defined, consisting primarily of loose, parallel strokes that suggest an indistinct space without drawing undue attention away from the central figure. The artist’s signature and the date “1811” appear in cursive script at the bottom left corner, providing a temporal anchor for the work.
Subtleties within the portrait hint at character and social standing. The gentlemans expression is one of quiet composure, with a slight smile that suggests intelligence and perhaps a touch of self-assurance. The careful attention to detail in his clothing and grooming implies a man conscious of his public image. The choice of Italian pencil, known for its softness and ability to produce delicate lines, may suggest an appreciation for refined artistic techniques.
The overall impression is one of understated elegance and dignified presence, characteristic of portraiture from the early nineteenth century. It’s likely intended as a record of a man of some importance within his community, captured in a moment of quiet contemplation.