Portrait of Nikolai Gogol Alexander Ivanov (1806-1858)

The portrait presents a man in a three-quarter view, framed within an oval boundary. The composition is tightly focused on his face and upper torso, eliminating any background details beyond a dark, indistinct space that emphasizes the figures presence. He appears to be gazing slightly off-center, with a contemplative expression marked by a subtle downturn of the lips and a hint of melancholy in the eyes.
The artist has rendered the man’s hair with loose, flowing strokes, suggesting a certain dishevelment or perhaps an intellectual restlessness. The texture of his facial hair – a neatly trimmed mustache and goatee – is meticulously detailed, contrasting with the softer rendering of the hair. He is clad in what appears to be a reddish-brown jacket, its fabric indicated by short, directional brushstrokes that convey a sense of material weight and form. A crisp white collar peeks out from beneath the jacket, providing a visual break against the warmer tones of his attire.
The lighting is carefully orchestrated; it illuminates the face from the left, casting subtle shadows that define the contours and add depth to the features. The skin tone exhibits a range of hues – from rosy cheeks to shadowed hollows – suggesting an attempt at psychological realism rather than idealized beauty.
Subtleties in the man’s posture and expression hint at an inner life. There is a quiet intensity about his gaze, suggesting introspection or perhaps a burden of thought. The slight asymmetry of his features contributes to a sense of individuality, moving beyond generic representation toward a more nuanced portrayal of character. The overall effect is one of restrained dignity combined with a palpable undercurrent of sadness or anxiety – a suggestion of the complexities inherent in human experience.