Mikhail Ivanovich (Sokolov) Roerich N.K. (Part 1)

Here we observe a portrait study executed in charcoal or graphite on paper. The subject is presented from the chest up, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that suggests both engagement and perhaps a touch of weariness. He wears a dark hat, its brim casting shadows across his forehead and eyes, contributing to an overall impression of somber introspection.
The artist has employed a loose, expressive technique; lines are not precise but rather suggest form through variations in tone and pressure. This approach lends the portrait a sense of immediacy and captures a fleeting moment. The rendering of facial features is characterized by a certain roughness – the nose appears somewhat prominent, the mouth slightly downturned, and the eyes possess a depth that hints at experience. A neatly trimmed mustache and beard add to his distinguished appearance.
The background is minimally defined, fading into a soft haze which serves to isolate the figure and focus attention on his face. The artist has used hatching and cross-hatching techniques to build up tonal values, creating a sense of volume and texture. The shading around the hat suggests its three-dimensionality, while the lighter areas highlight the planes of the face.
Subtly, there is an air of melancholy conveyed through the subject’s expression and posture. It isnt a depiction of overt sadness, but rather a quiet resignation or perhaps a thoughtful contemplation. The simplicity of the composition – the absence of extraneous details – implies that this is not meant to be a grand statement, but rather a careful observation of character. One might interpret it as a study in human dignity and resilience, capturing a man marked by time and circumstance.