Un vieux kirghize, Peyik, Sinkiang 1931

Alexandre Jacovleff made this drawing in 1931, probably using a colored pencil or a similar dry medium on paper. The dominant color is a warm, earthy brown, creating a portrait that feels both intimate and immediate. I can almost feel Jacovleff's hand moving across the paper, building up the image layer by layer. Look at the lines around the eyes and mouth – each one seems to capture a moment of contemplation. I wonder what Jacovleff was thinking as he drew this man? Was he struck by his resilience, his wisdom, or simply his humanity? The texture is created through the layering of these lines and marks; you get a sense of depth and volume. The hair and beard in particular have this delicate quality as though they are about to dissolve into the background. It puts me in mind of other artists who were fascinated by the human face, from Rembrandt to Alice Neel. It’s all part of this ongoing conversation artists have across time, influencing each other's creativity.