Self-portrait. Around 1833 Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799-1852)

The portrait presents a man facing directly toward the viewer, framed within an oval format that emphasizes his presence and isolates him from any external setting. He is depicted from the chest upwards, with a focus on his face and hair. The artist employed a limited palette dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and muted reds – which contribute to a sense of introspection and seriousness.
The man’s most striking feature is his abundant, tightly curled hair, rendered with visible brushstrokes that suggest both volume and an almost unruly energy. This textural complexity extends to the rendering of his skin, where subtle variations in tone convey a sense of vitality and realism. His expression is complex; theres a directness in his gaze, but also a hint of melancholy or perhaps even weariness. The lips are slightly parted, as if he might be about to speak, creating an impression of immediacy and vulnerability.
He wears what appears to be a dark, somewhat rumpled jacket with a high collar, the fabric rendered with loose brushwork that adds to the overall sense of informality. The background is indistinct, a murky brown that serves to further concentrate attention on the figure himself.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of appearance, the painting suggests an exploration of identity and self-awareness. The direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, inviting contemplation about the subject’s inner state. The somewhat disheveled appearance of both hair and clothing might be interpreted as a rejection of conventional formality or perhaps a reflection of internal turmoil. The oval format itself contributes to this sense of isolation and introspection; it creates a contained space for the individuals self-examination, separating him from the world beyond the frame. Ultimately, the work conveys an impression of a man grappling with his own complexities, presenting himself not as a polished ideal but as a being marked by experience and emotion.