Self 2. 1885 Valentin Serov (1865-1911)

Here we observe a charcoal drawing presenting a bust-length portrait of a young man. The composition is straightforward; the figure occupies nearly the entire frame, centered and facing forward with a direct gaze towards the viewer. A dark background isolates the subject, emphasizing his features and contributing to an overall sense of introspection.
The artist employed a loose, expressive technique. Lines are not precise or meticulously rendered but rather appear hastily sketched, conveying a feeling of immediacy and perhaps even vulnerability. The hair is depicted with short, energetic strokes that suggest volume and texture, falling loosely around the shoulders and collar. A notable characteristic is the rendering of the eyes; they possess an intensity and depth achieved through subtle shading and careful placement of highlights. This focus draws attention to the subject’s gaze, which seems both observant and slightly melancholic.
The clothing appears simple – a collared shirt with a loosely tied tie – suggesting a lack of ostentation or formality. The artists handling of light and shadow creates a sense of three-dimensionality, though the limited tonal range inherent in charcoal restricts the full potential for dramatic contrast.
Subtly, there is an element of self-scrutiny present. The directness of the gaze, combined with the somewhat hesitant quality of the drawing style, suggests not merely a representation but also a moment of personal reflection. One might interpret this as an exploration of identity or a tentative attempt at self-portraiture. The unfinished nature of the work – the lack of detailed background and the sketch-like quality of the rendering – could be seen to imply that the subject is still in progress, both literally on paper and perhaps metaphorically within the individual being depicted.