Portrait V. P. Orlov-Davydov 1828

Orest Kiprensky made this portrait of V. P. Orlov-Davydov with graphite pencil on paper. Look closely, and you can see the textured surface of the paper coming through. Kiprensky uses the soft, powdery quality of graphite to capture the subject's likeness with subtle gradations of tone. See how the artist coaxes out the play of light and shadow on the face? Graphite lends itself to this kind of delicate modeling. The act of drawing itself carries cultural significance. Unlike painting, which often involves the mixing and application of pigments, drawing is immediate. The artist's hand is directly involved in the process, leaving a visible trace of their skill and intention. It's an intimate medium, which is what makes it the perfect tool for portraiture. The artist's meticulous rendering of details, particularly in the hair and clothing, speaks to the hours of labor invested in the creation of the work. By attending to the materials and making of this artwork, we can appreciate Kiprensky's artistry, while broadening our understanding of how artistic practices both reflect and shape cultural values.