Self-portrait. Vasily Polenov (1844-1927)

This is a black and white pencil sketch of a self-portrait of an older man. He has receding hair, prominent eyebrows, and a thick beard and mustache. His gaze is direct and introspective. The sketch is rendered with loose, energetic lines, suggesting a quick study or a moment of spontaneous reflection. There is a stylized signature in the lower left corner of the image.
The subtext of this self-portrait could be interpreted in several ways. The direct gaze and the sketch-like execution might suggest a desire for honest self-examination, unvarnished by embellishment. The artist captures himself at what appears to be a more mature stage of life, perhaps contemplating his experiences, legacy, or the passage of time. The loose lines could also convey a sense of urgency or intense creative focus, as if the artist is trying to quickly capture a fleeting impression of himself. The signature could indicate a desire to claim ownership and authorship of this self-representation, whether for personal reflection or public display.