Portrait of a Man. 1829 Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799-1852)

The watercolor drawing presents a half-length portrait of a young man. He is positioned slightly off-center, facing towards the viewer with a direct gaze. The artist has rendered him in a style characteristic of early nineteenth-century portraiture, emphasizing a sense of naturalism and psychological depth.
Here we see a man dressed in formal attire: a dark jacket over a light waistcoat and a neatly tied white cravat. His hair is styled in the fashionable curls of the period, framing his face with an air of cultivated elegance. The artist’s use of watercolor allows for a delicate rendering of textures – the sheen of the fabric, the softness of the hair, and the subtle gradations of light on the skin.
The mans posture is significant. One arm is casually draped across his chest, suggesting a relaxed confidence or perhaps even a touch of melancholy. This gesture introduces an element of introspection to the portrait; it’s not merely a representation of outward appearance but also hints at an inner state. The slight tilt of his head and the subtle expression in his eyes convey a sense of quiet contemplation.
The background is left largely undefined, with washes of pale color that serve to isolate the figure and direct attention towards him. This simplicity reinforces the focus on the man’s character and presence. A faint inscription appears near the lower edge of the drawing, likely indicating the artists signature and date. The overall impression is one of a carefully observed individual, captured in a moment of quiet reflection, suggesting a narrative beyond the surface depiction.