Portrait of Leo Tolstoy Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

The drawing presents a man in profile, viewed from the left. The composition is dominated by his head and upper torso, cropped at the shoulders. A muted palette of browns and blues defines the work; the background appears as a wash of warm brown tones, while blue ink outlines the figure’s features and hair.
The artist employed a rapid, gestural style. Lines are loose and expressive, suggesting an immediacy in execution. The face is rendered with a focus on capturing essential forms rather than meticulous detail. Noticeable are the prominent brow ridge, the deep-set eyes, and the substantial beard, all contributing to an impression of gravitas and age. The hair appears thick and somewhat disheveled, sketched with short, agitated strokes that convey texture and volume.
The man’s posture is slightly turned towards the viewer, creating a sense of engagement despite the profile view. His hand rests gently on his chest, a gesture that could be interpreted as contemplative or resigned. The overall effect is one of quiet introspection.
Subtleties in the drawing suggest more than just a straightforward likeness. The muted color scheme and loose rendering evoke a mood of melancholy or perhaps weary wisdom. The lack of elaborate detail directs attention to the man’s character rather than his physical appearance. Theres an underlying sense of vulnerability conveyed through the unrefined lines, as if the artist sought to capture not merely a representation but also something of the subject’s inner life.
The inscription at the bottom right corner, rendered in a similar hand and style to the drawing itself, adds another layer of meaning. It appears to be a dedication or annotation, further personalizing the work and hinting at a close relationship between the artist and the sitter.