Portrait NM Muraviova. 1815 B. yellow, um. k. GMM (option q) Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

Here we observe a portrait executed in graphite on paper, likely a preliminary study for a larger work. The subject is a young man depicted from the chest upwards, seated and turned slightly towards the viewer. His gaze is directed off to his left, suggesting a contemplative or perhaps distant mood.
The artist has rendered the figure with considerable attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of the hair, which appears somewhat tousled and falls across his forehead. The texture of the clothing – a dark coat with a high collar – is suggested through careful shading, creating a sense of volume and depth. A waistcoat is visible beneath the coat, adding another layer of visual interest.
The composition is relatively simple; the subject occupies most of the frame, seated against a plain background that fades into darkness. This lack of environmental detail focuses attention entirely on the individual portrayed. The chair he sits upon is minimally defined, serving primarily as an anchor for his posture.
Subtleties in the shading suggest a deliberate attempt to convey character. The slight asymmetry in the face and the subtle lines around the eyes hint at intelligence and perhaps a touch of melancholy. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and introspection. The date 1815 inscribed near the bottom right corner provides a temporal context, placing the work within the early 19th century, an era marked by significant social and political change in Europe. This dating also suggests that this drawing might have been created during a period of transition in artistic styles, moving away from more formal portraiture towards a greater emphasis on individual expression and psychological depth.