Mephistopheles. 1906 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The drawing presents a figure in elaborate costume, rendered with a dynamic energy that suggests movement and theatricality. The composition is dominated by a central, elongated form, posed in a dramatic contrapposto stance – the weight shifted onto one leg, creating a subtle curve through the body. This posture contributes to an impression of both confidence and latent instability.
The figure’s attire is complex and visually arresting. A deep red tunic, seemingly constructed from layered fabrics, clings to the torso and extends into a short skirt or kilt. Over this, a cloak of dark blue-black drapes across one shoulder, its folds rendered with loose brushstrokes that convey a sense of flowing weight. The sleeves are dramatically oversized, tapering to pointed cuffs that accentuate the figure’s long, slender fingers. A decorative headdress, featuring feathers and what appears to be a stylized crest, draws attention upward, framing a face only partially defined – the features suggested rather than meticulously detailed.
The color palette is restricted but impactful. The dominance of red, offset by the cool blues and blacks, creates visual tension and contributes to an atmosphere of heightened emotion. Washes of ochre and brown tint the background, lending a sense of aged parchment or theatrical backdrop.
Subtleties in the drawing suggest deeper meanings. The elongated proportions evoke a sense of otherworldliness, hinting at a being beyond the ordinary human realm. The elaborate costume, while visually striking, also suggests artifice – a deliberate construction of identity. The figure’s gaze is directed off to the side, conveying an air of detached observation or perhaps even calculation.
The overall effect is one of theatrical spectacle and ambiguous characterization. It speaks to a world of illusion, temptation, and hidden motives, where appearances are deceptive and power resides in manipulation rather than brute force. The drawing’s loose execution and expressive brushwork further enhance this sense of mystery and intrigue, inviting the viewer to contemplate the figures true nature and purpose.