Beggrov, Karl Petrovich – Portrait of actor Ivan Afanasyvitch Dmitrevsky Hermitage ~ Part 01

Here we observe a portrait rendered in graphite on paper, presenting a man in profile facing left. The subjects age is evident in his deeply etched lines and receding hairline, which reveals a high forehead. His expression carries a gravity tempered by an underlying weariness; the eyes are shadowed, suggesting introspection or perhaps a lifetime spent observing human drama.
The artist has employed meticulous shading to define the contours of the face and neck, creating a sense of volume and realism. The rendering of hair is particularly noteworthy – individual strands are suggested with delicate strokes, conveying texture and adding to the overall impression of age and experience. He wears what appears to be a formal coat over a waistcoat, indicative of his profession and social standing.
The composition adheres to a traditional portrait format, emphasizing the subject’s head and shoulders. The background is minimally defined, allowing focus to remain squarely on the individual depicted. A subtle hatching technique contributes to the tonal range, creating depth and atmosphere.
Beneath the image, Cyrillic script identifies the sitter by name and provides his birth year. This inscription reinforces the portraits function as a commemorative work, intended to preserve the likeness of an important figure. The inclusion of this information suggests that the subject was likely someone of note within his community – perhaps a performer or public intellectual.
The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and profound character. It’s not merely a representation of physical features but also an attempt to capture something of the sitters inner life, hinting at a complex personality shaped by years of experience and observation. The artist seems to have aimed for more than just likeness; he sought to convey a sense of history and depth through careful rendering and subtle emotional cues.