Portrait of M. Braykevich - Konstantin Somov

A refined charcoal and sanguine portrait by Konstantin Somov, capturing the contemplative expression of M. Braykevich in 1934.

This portrait of M. Braykevich, executed by Konstantin Somov in 1934, demonstrates the artist's mastery of the graphic medium. Somov, a founding member of the Mir Iskusstva (World of Art) movement, is recognised for his technical precision and his ability to capture the psychological depth of his subjects. In this work, the artist employs a combination of charcoal and sanguine to render the features of the sitter with economy and grace.

The composition is focused entirely on the subject, set against a neutral, unworked background. Somov uses soft, blended charcoal lines to define the structure of the face, while the application of sanguine provides warmth to the skin tones, particularly around the ears and cheeks. The sitter is depicted in a three-quarter view, his expression composed and contemplative. The artist's hand is visible in the confident, yet delicate, strokes that delineate the collar and the contours of the jacket, suggesting a sense of movement and immediacy.

Somov spent much of his later life in Paris, where he continued to produce portraits of the Russian émigré community. This drawing reflects the refined aesthetic that defined his career, moving away from the elaborate historical fantasies of his earlier period toward a more direct, observational approach. The inscription at the bottom right, written in the artist's hand, provides a personal context for the work, indicating it was a gift to the sitter. The print captures the texture of the original paper and the subtle variations in the charcoal and chalk, offering a clear view of Somov's draughtsmanship.