Portrait of MO Menshikov Ivan Kulikov (1875-1941)

The drawing presents a man in a formal suit, depicted from the chest upwards. He is positioned centrally within the frame, facing directly towards the viewer. The artist has employed a technique that emphasizes rapid execution and expressive mark-making; charcoal appears to be the primary medium, with visible strokes contributing to a sense of immediacy and spontaneity.
The man’s features are rendered with a degree of realism, though softened by the loose application of charcoal. His receding hairline and neatly trimmed beard suggest maturity and perhaps a certain gravitas. The eyes hold an ambiguous expression – they appear thoughtful, but also possess a hint of weariness or melancholy. A tie is visible at his neck, adding to the formality of his attire.
The background is indistinct, rendered in muted tones that allow the figure to dominate the composition. Loose charcoal strokes create a hazy effect, preventing any distraction from the subject’s presence. The artist has used darker shading around the shoulders and chest, creating a sense of volume and depth.
A signature and date (1914) are inscribed at the bottom left corner, adding a layer of personal context to the work. This inscription suggests a specific moment in time and potentially alludes to the subjects significance within that period. The overall impression is one of a quickly captured likeness, perhaps intended as a study or preliminary sketch rather than a fully finished portrait.
Subtly, there’s an air of quiet dignity about the man; he seems to carry himself with a restrained composure. The lack of elaborate detail and the somewhat somber palette contribute to a feeling of introspection, hinting at a complex inner life beyond what is immediately visible.