Portrait of the composer Alexander Glazunov. 1899 Valentin Serov (1865-1911)

The drawing presents a man in three-quarter view, his gaze directed slightly off-center and downward. He is depicted from the chest upwards, seated or leaning forward, with one arm resting on what appears to be a surface just beyond the frames edge. The artist employed charcoal or graphite, utilizing a range of tonal values achieved through varying pressure and density of lines.
The subject’s face exhibits a certain solemnity; his brow is furrowed, suggesting contemplation or perhaps a touch of melancholy. A full beard, rendered with short, energetic strokes, adds to the impression of maturity and gravitas. The hair, similarly sketched with quick, dynamic lines, appears somewhat disheveled, contributing to an overall sense of naturalism rather than idealized beauty.
The artist’s technique emphasizes texture and movement. The clothing – a jacket or coat – is suggested through a series of overlapping strokes that convey the fabrics weight and drape. This textural emphasis extends to the face itself, where individual strands of hair and beard are delineated with precision. There is an immediacy to the drawing style; it feels like a rapid capture of a fleeting moment.
Subtleties in the shading suggest a light source coming from above and slightly to the left, casting shadows that define the contours of the face and clothing. The signature at the bottom right corner, executed with a more fluid script, provides a sense of personal connection to the work.
The posture suggests introspection; the downward gaze and slight forward lean imply engagement in thought or perhaps a quiet observation of something beyond the viewer’s perspective. The overall effect is one of restrained dignity and intellectual depth, hinting at an individual absorbed in his inner world.