VI Kozlov. Steel engraving after a drawing by O. Kiprensky. Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The steel engraving presents a portrait in profile, rendered with considerable detail despite the limitations inherent in the medium. Here we see a man depicted from the left, his gaze directed towards the right, suggesting a contemplative or perhaps slightly melancholic disposition. The artist has focused on capturing a sense of quiet dignity and intelligence.
The subjects hair is styled in a manner characteristic of early 19th-century fashion – relatively short, with a slight wave at the back. His facial features are sharply defined; the nose is prominent, the chin firm, and the lips thin, conveying an impression of seriousness and perhaps reserve. The rendering of light and shadow across his face creates depth and volume, emphasizing the bone structure.
He wears what appears to be a dark coat with a high collar and a loosely tied cravat at his throat. These details indicate a certain social standing and adherence to contemporary dress codes. The simplicity of the attire allows the viewer’s attention to remain focused on the subjects face and expression.
The background is devoid of any specific elements, which serves to isolate the figure and heighten the sense of introspection. The artist has chosen to keep it neutral, preventing distraction from the central subject.
Subtly, the engraving conveys a sense of intellectualism and perhaps even a touch of romantic idealism – a common aesthetic in the period. The profile view itself lends an air of formality and distance, suggesting a man of principle and considered thought. The inscription at the bottom provides a name, anchoring the image within a specific historical context, but without offering further explicit narrative clues.