Portrait VA Zhirkevicha Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

The drawing presents a half-length portrait of a man in military attire. He is positioned at a slight angle to the viewer, his gaze directed forward with an intensity that suggests both confidence and perhaps a touch of melancholy. The artist has employed a technique characterized by rapid, energetic strokes, primarily using charcoal or graphite, which lends the work a sense of immediacy and dynamism.
The man’s facial features are rendered with a degree of realism, though softened by the expressive quality of the drawing style. A neatly trimmed mustache adds to his formal appearance. The military uniform is depicted in broad, sweeping strokes that suggest texture and volume, but avoid meticulous detail. This simplification contributes to an overall impression of strength and authority.
The background is sparsely indicated with vertical lines, creating a sense of depth while maintaining focus on the subject. A window or doorway is suggested in the upper right corner, allowing for a glimpse of what appears to be an exterior space – though it remains indistinct and serves primarily as a compositional element.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest a complexity beyond a straightforward representation. The slight downward tilt of his head, combined with the directness of his gaze, conveys a sense of introspection or perhaps quiet determination. The use of light and shadow emphasizes the planes of his face and uniform, contributing to a three-dimensional effect that enhances the portrait’s presence.
The signature and date in the lower left corner – 1894 – provide temporal context, anchoring the work within a specific historical moment. The overall impression is one of a man caught between duty and contemplation, portrayed with both respect and an underlying sense of psychological depth.