Portrait of A. N. Benois 1 Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

Here we observe a portrait study executed in charcoal and sanguine on paper. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, angled slightly towards the viewer. His gaze is directed downwards, suggesting introspection or perhaps weariness. A dense mane of grey hair frames his face, rendered with quick, energetic strokes that convey texture and volume. The beard, similarly treated, adds to a sense of age and gravitas.
The artist employed a limited tonal range, relying heavily on the interplay of light and shadow to define form. Areas of warm sanguine highlight the cheekbones, nose, and forehead, while charcoal creates deep shadows under the chin and around the eyes, contributing to a somber mood. The shading is not uniform; instead, it appears spontaneous and expressive, suggesting a rapid execution.
The clothing – a high-collared garment – is sketched with less detail than the face, serving primarily as a backdrop that emphasizes the subject’s features. Lines are loose and fluid, contributing to an overall impression of immediacy and informality. The artist did not strive for photographic realism; rather, he captured a psychological essence.
The inscription at the bottom left corner, written in Cyrillic script, provides context without explicitly identifying the sitter. The date 1924 indicates the period of creation, which is significant given the historical and artistic climate of that era.
Subtly, theres an air of melancholy conveyed through the downward gaze and the muted color palette. It’s not a celebratory portrait; instead, it seems to capture a moment of quiet contemplation or perhaps even a sense of burden. The rapid, almost sketch-like quality suggests a desire to record a fleeting impression rather than create a formal likeness. This approach lends the work an intimacy that invites speculation about the subjects inner life and circumstances.