Portrait of A. N. Benois 2 Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The drawing presents a close-up portrait of a man in profile. The artist employed a reddish-brown chalk on paper, creating a monochromatic palette that emphasizes form and texture over color. A sense of immediacy is conveyed through the visible strokes and the lack of meticulous blending; the marks are deliberate and contribute to the overall impression of a rapid study or sketch.
Here we see a man with receding hairline and a neatly trimmed beard, suggesting maturity and perhaps a certain level of refinement. He wears spectacles, which draw attention to his eyes – though only their lower portion is visible – and subtly indicate intellectual pursuits or scholarly inclinations. The nose is prominent, casting shadows that define its structure. The mouth is downturned slightly, hinting at introspection or perhaps a touch of melancholy.
The artist’s handling of light and shadow creates a three-dimensional effect, particularly noticeable in the modeling of the face. The shading around the eyes and cheekbones suggests an internal focus, as if the subject were lost in thought. The hair is rendered with short, energetic strokes that convey both volume and a sense of naturalness.
The background is left largely unrendered, allowing the viewer’s attention to remain solely on the figure. This compositional choice contributes to the intimacy of the portrait; it feels as though we are observing a private moment. The lack of detail in the surroundings also suggests that this is not intended as a fully realized depiction but rather an exploration of character and likeness.
Subtly, there’s a sense of quiet dignity about the man portrayed. He doesnt appear to be posing for a formal portrait; instead, he seems caught in a moment of contemplation. The drawing conveys a feeling of respect for the subject, suggesting that he is someone of significance – perhaps an intellectual or an artist himself – whose inner life is as important as his outward appearance.