Portrait of a Japanese Girl - Alexandre Jacovleff

A portrait of a young girl in traditional dress, rendered in sanguine and charcoal by Russian artist Alexandre Jacovleff in 1918.

Alexandre Jacovleff, a Russian artist known for his technical precision and extensive travels, produced this portrait during his time in Japan in 1918. The work demonstrates his command of sanguine and charcoal, materials he favoured for their ability to render skin tones and fabric textures with exceptional clarity. The subject is depicted in a seated position, wearing a traditional kimono with a prominent obi. Her gaze is directed away from the viewer, creating a sense of quiet introspection.

Jacovleff often documented the people he encountered during his journeys across Asia. His approach to portraiture focuses on the physical presence of the sitter, using light and shadow to define the contours of the face and the folds of the clothing. The background remains largely unadorned, which directs the attention to the figure. To the left of the subject, the artist included small sketches of textile patterns, a detail that provides insight into his process of recording cultural observations alongside his primary subject matter. The signature and date are placed in the lower right corner, consistent with his practice of documenting his work during his travels.

This piece reflects the artist's interest in capturing the specific character of his subjects through a disciplined, academic technique. The use of sanguine provides a warmth to the skin, while the charcoal adds depth to the darker elements of the garment. The composition is balanced, with the subject occupying the centre of the frame. This print offers a clear view of the artist's ability to combine observational accuracy with a refined aesthetic sensibility. It is a representative example of his work from the period, showing the intersection of travel, documentation, and portraiture that defined much of his career.