Portrait of AN Olenin. 1813. B., um. c. 18. 8h22. 9. GRM Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

Here we observe a portrait executed in charcoal and white chalk on paper. The subject is depicted in profile, turned slightly towards the viewer, suggesting a sense of engagement despite his averted gaze. He appears to be a man of approximately thirty years old, with a receding hairline and a somewhat melancholic expression.
The artist has employed a loose, gestural style. Lines are not meticulously rendered but rather suggest form through variations in tone and pressure. The face is modeled using subtle gradations of charcoal, creating an impression of depth and volume. White chalk highlights the bridge of the nose, cheekbones, and forehead, further enhancing this three-dimensionality.
The man’s attire consists of a dark coat with visible detailing around the collar and lapels, indicating a degree of formality or social standing. The texture of the fabric is suggested through quick, energetic strokes. A portion of what appears to be a waistcoat is also visible beneath the coat.
In the lower left corner, there are inscriptions in handwriting that seem to indicate age (30) and the year 1813. This contextual information anchors the work within a specific historical timeframe. The placement of these notations feels almost incidental, as if added after the primary portrait was completed.
The overall effect is one of intimacy and immediacy. The lack of elaborate background details focuses attention entirely on the subject’s character and presence. Theres an underlying sense of introspection conveyed through his posture and expression; he seems lost in thought or perhaps burdened by some unspoken concern. This, combined with the rapid execution style, suggests a portrait created not for formal display but as a more personal record – a fleeting impression captured on paper. The artist’s choice to depict him in profile, rather than facing forward, contributes to this feeling of quiet contemplation and distance.