#22895 Boris Kustodiev (1878-1927)

The drawing presents a portrait study of a man in military attire. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, angled slightly towards the viewer. He possesses a receding hairline and closely cropped hair, emphasizing his forehead and brow. His gaze is direct, conveying an impression of intensity or perhaps guardedness.
The artist employed a technique characterized by rapid, gestural lines to define form and volume. The shading is minimal, relying on variations in line density to suggest light and shadow. This approach lends the drawing a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The military uniform, rendered with relatively simple strokes, suggests a focus on the individual rather than elaborate detail of the garment itself. Buttons are indicated by small circles, and the collar is defined by a series of parallel lines.
The man’s arms are crossed over his chest, creating a posture that could be interpreted as defensive or contemplative. The hands themselves are rendered with a degree of precision, suggesting an attention to anatomical detail despite the overall sketch-like quality of the work.
Subtleties in the facial expression hint at underlying psychological complexity. Theres a slight downturn to the mouth and a tension around the eyes that might suggest weariness or apprehension. The drawing’s monochromatic palette contributes to its somber mood, reinforcing the sense of introspection and perhaps hinting at the burdens carried by those involved in military service.
The inscription at the bottom right corner, including what appears to be a signature and date (1913), provides contextual information without explicitly identifying the subject or artist. The presence of this notation suggests that the drawing may have been intended as a personal record or study rather than a formal portrait commission.