Portrait Artist I.M. Moskvin. 1908 Valentin Serov (1865-1911)

The drawing presents a portrait study executed in graphite on paper. Here we observe a man depicted from the upper torso upwards, turned slightly towards the viewers left. The artist has employed a rapid, gestural style; lines are energetic and often broken, creating a sense of immediacy and capturing a fleeting impression rather than striving for meticulous detail.
The subject’s face is characterized by pronounced features: a strong brow line, deep-set eyes, and a firm jawline. These elements contribute to an overall expression that suggests seriousness or perhaps even pensiveness. The hair appears thick and somewhat disheveled, rendered with short, choppy strokes that convey texture and volume. A collar and tie are suggested through simple lines, indicating formal attire without elaborate rendering.
The artist’s use of shading is minimal but effective in defining the planes of the face and suggesting depth. Areas around the eyes and nose receive slightly darker treatment, enhancing their prominence. The background remains largely unrendered, drawing attention solely to the subject.
In the lower right corner, a signature or inscription appears – И.Е. followed by 1908 – providing contextual information regarding authorship and date of creation. This addition suggests that the work may be a preliminary sketch or study for a larger piece, intended as an exploration of form and character rather than a finished artwork in itself.
The drawing’s simplicity and directness suggest a focus on capturing essential qualities – the subjects personality and presence – rather than decorative embellishment. The rapid execution lends the portrait a sense of intimacy and spontaneity, hinting at a personal connection between artist and sitter.