Portrait of the Artist MAVrubelja. 1907 Valentin Serov (1865-1911)

The drawing presents a male figure in profile, rendered with a palpable immediacy and directness. Here we observe a man of mature years, his face marked by lines suggesting experience and perhaps weariness. The artist has employed a technique that emphasizes the textural qualities of the subject’s skin and hair through dense hatching and cross-hatching; this creates a sense of volume and depth despite the monochromatic palette.
The head is turned slightly towards the viewer, allowing for a glimpse of his eye, which appears to hold a certain introspection or melancholy. The mustache and beard are rendered with considerable detail, their individual hairs suggested through short, rapid strokes. A cap or hat sits atop his head, its form defined by broad shading that contributes to the overall sense of solidity.
The artist’s approach suggests an interest in capturing not merely a likeness but also something of the subjects inner state. The lack of background and the close cropping of the figure focus attention entirely on his face, intensifying the feeling of psychological scrutiny. There is a certain austerity to the work; it avoids sentimentality or embellishment, presenting instead a straightforward depiction of an individual.
The drawing’s rough quality – the visible strokes and unrefined edges – contribute to its expressive power. It feels less like a formal portrait intended for display and more like a quick study, a moment of observation captured with urgency. This immediacy lends the work a sense of authenticity and intimacy, as if we are privy to a private encounter between artist and subject. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity tinged with a subtle sadness.