Self-portrait. 1890 Isaac Ilyich Levitan (1860-1900)

The portrait presents a man facing directly toward the viewer, his gaze intense and unwavering. He is positioned against a dark, indistinct background that contributes to a sense of isolation and focuses attention entirely on his features. The artist employed a loose, expressive brushstroke throughout, particularly evident in the rendering of the hair and clothing, which appear almost textured with visible layers of paint.
The man’s face displays a complex interplay of emotions. While there is an undeniable severity to his expression – suggested by the firm set of his mouth and the furrowed brow – it is tempered by a hint of melancholy or introspection. The dark beard and mustache, meticulously rendered, add to this air of gravitas and perhaps suggest a certain intellectualism or artistic temperament.
The lighting is dramatic; it highlights the planes of the face, emphasizing bone structure and creating deep shadows that contribute to the overall somber mood. The clothing appears formal – a dark jacket with a patterned tie – yet the brushwork softens any sense of rigid formality, suggesting an individual who values both intellect and personal expression.
Subtly, there is a vulnerability present in the portrait. Despite the direct gaze, it does not feel confrontational but rather as if the subject is offering himself for observation, perhaps even seeking understanding. The lack of environmental context reinforces this sense of interiority; we are presented with an individual stripped bare, revealing his psychological state through posture and expression. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity tinged with a profound sense of solitude.