Portrait of an unknown officer. 1813 IT. c., b. , 27h17. 8 MN Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The drawing presents a male figure in a three-quarter pose, likely intended as a portrait. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame and appears to be an officer, suggested by his military attire. He faces slightly towards the viewers left, creating a sense of engagement without direct eye contact.
Here we see a young man with carefully styled hair, rendered in short, tight curls that frame his face. His features are relatively delicate; the nose is straight and well-defined, the lips thin, and the chin subtly pointed. A faint suggestion of stubble hints at a degree of masculinity while maintaining an overall impression of refinement. The eyes possess a certain intensity, though their gaze is averted, contributing to an air of quiet confidence or perhaps restrained emotion.
The artist has paid considerable attention to depicting the texture of the officer’s clothing. A high-collared coat dominates the lower portion of the image; its folds and shadows are meticulously rendered with cross-hatching, conveying a sense of weight and formality. Epaulettes adorn his shoulders, indicating rank within the military hierarchy. The detailing suggests a degree of precision and care in the execution of the drawing.
The tonal range is limited, primarily consisting of shades of brown or sepia, which lends the work a muted, somewhat antique quality. This restricted palette contributes to an atmosphere of solemnity and seriousness appropriate for a portrait intended to commemorate an individual of importance. The background appears to be plain, further emphasizing the subjects presence and drawing attention to his features and attire.
Subtly, there is a sense of melancholy conveyed through the averted gaze and the restrained expression. It’s possible that this reflects a broader cultural mood associated with the period – a time marked by conflict and uncertainty. The officer’s posture suggests not arrogance or bravado, but rather a quiet dignity and perhaps even a hint of weariness. This impression is reinforced by the careful rendering of his features, which avoids any overt display of emotion while still conveying a sense of inner complexity.