Portrait of S. sobolev. 1832 Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799-1852)

The watercolor drawing presents a gentleman in a three-quarter pose, facing directly toward the viewer. He is positioned against a plain, light background that allows for a focus on his features and attire. The artist has rendered him with a degree of realism, though softened by the fluidity of the medium.
Here we see a young man with dark hair neatly styled, swept back from his forehead to reveal a high brow. His eyes are large and appear somewhat melancholic, conveying an impression of introspection or perhaps quiet seriousness. The mouth is closed, contributing to this reserved demeanor. A slight shadow beneath the lower lip suggests a subtle modeling of form.
He wears a dark suit with a high collar, partially obscured by a loosely draped scarf that adds visual interest and depth to the composition. The scarf’s folds are rendered with delicate washes, creating a sense of movement and texture. The detailing on the waistcoat is minimal but sufficient to suggest its presence.
The artists use of watercolor allows for a range of tonal values, from deep blacks in the shadows to pale yellows and creams in the highlights. This creates a soft, diffused light that contributes to the overall mood of quiet contemplation. The brushstrokes are visible, adding a sense of immediacy and spontaneity to the work.
The signature at the bottom left corner is executed with a similar lightness of touch, indicating the artist’s deliberate restraint throughout the piece. The drawings simplicity – the lack of background detail and the focus on the subject’s face – suggests an interest in psychological portraiture rather than merely documenting physical appearance. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and thoughtful observation.