Menshikovs head in profile. The lower part of the face Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)

The drawing presents a study of a male head in profile, executed with a restrained palette of browns and creams on paper. The subject is depicted from roughly the mid-torso upwards, his gaze directed towards the right of the composition. A substantial wig, rendered with loose, swirling strokes, frames the face and contributes to an overall impression of formality and status.
The artist has focused primarily on capturing the contours of the lower portion of the face – the nose, mouth, and chin – with a meticulous attention to detail. The rendering suggests a man of considerable age; the lines around the eyes and mouth are subtly emphasized, hinting at experience and perhaps weariness. A slight downturn of the lips conveys an air of melancholy or introspection.
To the right of the main portrait, a smaller, more detailed sketch isolates the nose and upper lip. This secondary study appears to be an exploration of form and texture, demonstrating the artist’s close observation of anatomical structure. The inclusion of this separate study suggests that it was intended as part of a larger artistic process – perhaps for use in a formal portrait or other representation.
Inscriptions appear both within and beneath the main figure. One identifies the subject with an elaborate title, while another appears to be a signature. These textual elements underscore the importance of the individual depicted and acknowledge the artist’s role in creating this record.
The drawings overall effect is one of quiet dignity and psychological depth. The limited tonal range and loose handling of the medium contribute to a sense of immediacy and intimacy, as if we are granted a glimpse into the private study of an influential figure. The subtexts hint at power, age, and perhaps a degree of inner contemplation, conveyed through subtle shifts in expression and carefully observed details.