Self 2. 1926-1927 Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin (1878-1939)

The portrait presents a close-up view of a mans head and upper torso, rendered in a style characterized by angularity and a muted color palette. The subject stares directly at the viewer with an intense, almost unsettling gaze. His expression is complex; it conveys a sense of weariness or introspection, perhaps even guardedness. A neatly trimmed mustache sits above his thin lips, which are pressed into a firm line.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes planes and shadows to sculpt the face. The skin tones range from deep reds and browns to pale yellows and grays, creating a sense of depth and volume. The head is shaved, revealing the contours of the skull beneath. A dark collar encircles his neck, adding another layer of visual weight and contributing to the overall somber mood.
Behind the figure, theres an abstract background composed of broad strokes of blue and black. This backdrop doesn’t offer a sense of spatial depth but rather serves as a contrasting field that isolates the subject and intensifies the focus on his face. The limited color range – primarily earth tones punctuated by the cool blues – reinforces the feeling of austerity and introspection.
The composition suggests an exploration of identity, perhaps even a psychological self-examination. The direct gaze challenges the viewer to confront the subjects inner state. There’s a sense of restraint in the pose and expression; it implies a deliberate control over emotions or a suppression of vulnerability. The overall effect is one of quiet intensity and profound introspection, hinting at an individual grappling with internal complexities.