Self-portrait (1940s) Nikolay Feshin (1881-1955)

Here we observe a close-up portrait, rendered in a style characterized by visible brushstrokes and a limited palette dominated by ochre, brown, and cream tones. The subject is presented from the chest up, facing slightly off-center, with an expression that conveys introspection or perhaps quiet melancholy.
The artist employed a technique of layering paint to create a sense of depth and texture on the face. Highlights are strategically placed to suggest bone structure and volume, while shadows deepen the contours around the eyes and mouth. The hair is rendered in short, choppy strokes, appearing somewhat disheveled, contributing to an overall impression of immediacy and perhaps even vulnerability.
The background is dark and indistinct, serving primarily as a foil for the subjects face, which is brought forward through contrast. This compositional choice directs the viewer’s attention entirely to the individual depicted. The collar of what appears to be a shirt or tunic is visible, painted with looser strokes than the facial features, suggesting a less detailed rendering of the surrounding environment.
Subtleties in the expression hint at an internal state. The downturned mouth and slightly furrowed brow suggest contemplation rather than overt sadness. There’s a sense of weariness conveyed through the lines around the eyes and the overall muted coloration. It is possible to interpret this as a reflection on personal struggles or anxieties, particularly given the historical context in which such portraits were often created – a period marked by significant global upheaval.
The signature at the lower right corner is executed with a similar gestural quality to the rest of the painting, reinforcing the impression of an artist engaged in a direct and unmediated act of creation. The overall effect is one of quiet intensity and psychological depth.