Cossack's head 

This portrait study, "Cossack's Head," was created by the Russian realist painter Ilya Repin, known for his striking depictions of everyday life. The artwork, likely a preliminary sketch, captures the weathered features of a Cossack, a member of a historically significant military group in Russia. The piece is a testament to Repin's mastery of capturing human character through brushstrokes, revealing the subject's age, resilience, and perhaps a hint of weariness. The small size of the work suggests its function as a personal study, highlighting the artist's dedication to capturing the essence of his subjects.