Portrait EP Bakunin. 1811-13 BA, um. c. 23h12 GMF, St. Petersburg Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The drawing presents a profile portrait of a woman, executed in graphite on paper. The subject is depicted from approximately mid-torso upwards, her gaze directed towards the right of the frame. Her hair is styled in an elaborate updo, with visible curls and volume around the face, suggesting a fashionable style of the period. A high collar, intricately rendered with delicate folds and detailing, frames her neck and shoulders. The artist has employed a loose, gestural line to capture the softness of her features and the texture of her clothing.
The drawing’s technique suggests a rapid execution, possibly a preliminary study for a larger work or a sketch made during an encounter with the sitter. The shading is subtle, relying on variations in pressure to define form and create a sense of depth. Theres a distinct lack of hard outlines; instead, contours are suggested through tonal shifts. This contributes to a feeling of immediacy and intimacy.
The woman’s expression is difficult to fully decipher, but there appears to be a quiet dignity and perhaps a hint of melancholy in her gaze. The slight turn of the head conveys an impression of thoughtfulness or introspection. The details of the collar and hairstyle indicate a position of social standing, while the overall simplicity of the drawing – the absence of background detail and rich color – focuses attention entirely on the individual’s character.
The artists choice to depict the subject in profile is significant. Profile portraits traditionally convey an air of formality and restraint, often used to emphasize a person’s inherent qualities rather than their outward appearance. The drawing, therefore, seems less concerned with capturing a likeness and more interested in conveying something about the sitter’s inner life or social status. Its a study in subtle nuances – a quiet observation of a woman within her societal context.