DP B. Karakozov Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

The drawing presents a portrait study executed in charcoal or graphite on paper. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, facing slightly towards the viewers left. A prominent feature is the man’s headwear – a close-fitting cap with a structured brim and a central crease, suggesting military or official status.
The artist has employed a rapid, gestural style; lines are loose and expressive, contributing to an impression of immediacy and capturing the subject’s likeness rather than striving for meticulous detail. The shading is achieved through hatching and cross-hatching, creating tonal variation that defines the planes of the face and suggests volume. Noticeable are the deep shadows under the brow and along the jawline, which contribute to a sense of gravitas and perhaps even weariness.
The man’s facial features are rendered with a degree of realism; his nose is aquiline, his lips thin, and his eyes appear thoughtful or observant. A neatly trimmed beard and mustache add to the overall impression of a dignified individual. The artist has paid particular attention to capturing the texture of the hair, both on the head and in the facial growth, using short, broken lines to convey its natural appearance.
The inscription at the bottom left indicates a name and a date – 1866. This suggests that the drawing is likely a contemporary portrait, possibly intended as a preliminary study for a larger work or simply as a record of an individual encountered by the artist. The signature in the lower right corner appears to be abbreviated.
Beyond the straightforward representation of a man’s likeness, the drawing conveys a sense of quiet authority and perhaps introspection. The subjects gaze is directed off-frame, suggesting he is engaged in thought or observing something beyond the viewer’s perspective. The starkness of the monochrome palette and the directness of the style contribute to an atmosphere of seriousness and restraint. It is possible that the portrait was intended to convey a sense of respect for the subjects position or character.