Head Suvorov Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)

The drawing presents a portrait in profile, executed with evident haste and a raw energy. The subject is depicted as an elderly man, his features marked by age and experience. A prominent nose dominates the composition, its shape contributing significantly to the overall impression of character. The eyes are rendered with minimal detail, yet convey a sense of shrewd observation and perhaps weariness.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes texture and movement through vigorous charcoal strokes. These lines do not merely define form; they create a palpable surface quality, suggesting both the roughness of the medium and the subject’s weathered appearance. The hair is rendered as a chaotic mass of curls, sketched with quick, overlapping marks that convey volume without precise delineation.
The lighting appears to originate from the left, casting shadows that accentuate the contours of the face and neck. This creates depth and emphasizes the mans age. The collar and cravat are suggested through similarly energetic lines, contributing to a sense of immediacy and spontaneity in the execution.
Beyond the purely representational aspects, the drawing seems to explore themes of authority and resilience. The subject’s posture – straight and resolute despite his advanced years – suggests an inner strength and dignity. There is a certain austerity present; it isnt a flattering portrait but rather one that seeks to capture essence over superficial beauty.
The signature in the lower right corner, rendered with similar brevity as the rest of the work, reinforces this sense of directness and unmediated observation. The drawing feels like a quick study, an attempt to seize and record a fleeting impression of a man whose presence commands respect.