Portrait of an unknown soldier. 1812 IT. c., b. 32. 5x29 GRM Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The drawing presents a man in military attire, rendered in a monochrome style with meticulous attention to detail. He is depicted from the chest up, facing slightly towards the viewers left. The subject’s gaze is direct and unwavering, conveying a sense of stoicism or perhaps quiet contemplation.
Here we see a man of evident rank; his uniform features prominent epaulettes adorned with elaborate fringe, indicative of an officer’s status. A high-collared coat, buttoned centrally, completes the formal presentation. The artist has captured the texture of the fabric through careful cross-hatching and stippling techniques, lending a tactile quality to the depiction.
The mans hair is dark and tightly curled, framing his face with an almost unruly energy that contrasts with the formality of his dress. Subtle shading around the eyes and mouth suggests a degree of weariness or perhaps a suppressed emotion. The rendering of the facial features – the slightly furrowed brow, the firm set of the jaw – contributes to this impression of quiet resilience.
The artist’s choice to depict an anonymous soldier invites reflection on the broader experience of military service during the period suggested by the date (1812). It moves beyond a celebration of victory or individual heroism and instead focuses on the human cost and inherent dignity associated with duty and sacrifice. The absence of identifying markers – name, unit affiliation – allows for a universal interpretation; this is not merely one man but a representative figure embodying the collective experience of countless soldiers.
The date inscribed in the lower right corner (1815) suggests that the drawing was created shortly after a significant period of conflict, potentially reflecting on its aftermath and the lives affected by it. The overall effect is one of solemnity and respect for those who served.