Portrait of the dancer N. S. Poznyakov Konstantin Andreevich Somov (1869-1939)

The drawing presents a close-up portrait of a young man facing directly forward. The artist has rendered the subject with charcoal on paper, utilizing a range of tonal values to suggest form and volume. A stark contrast between light and shadow defines the facial features, emphasizing the planes of the nose, cheekbones, and brow.
The sitter’s gaze is direct and unwavering; his eyes are large and appear intensely focused, creating an immediate connection with the viewer. The eyebrows are thick and arched, contributing to a sense of alertness or perhaps even slight apprehension. A subtle mustache is visible above the lip, adding to the impression of youthful masculinity.
The hair is depicted in short, choppy strokes, suggesting texture and movement. It frames the face, drawing attention to the eyes and mouth. The ear is rendered with careful detail, its shape contributing to the overall realism of the portrait.
The background is left largely unrendered, a dark void that isolates the subject and concentrates the viewer’s focus entirely on his expression. This lack of context contributes to an atmosphere of introspection or perhaps even vulnerability.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of physical features, theres a sense of psychological complexity conveyed through the sitter’s gaze and the subtle nuances of his expression. The drawing seems less concerned with capturing a likeness than with exploring the inner life of the individual portrayed. It hints at an underlying sensitivity and a quiet intensity that transcends mere representation.