Self Portrait 1917

This self-portrait was made with graphite by Boris Kustodiev sometime around 1917. The dominant visual symbol is the artist's composed gaze, which exudes a quiet strength in the face of adversity. This self-portrait is reminiscent of the stoic visages of Roman emperors, whose portraits were not merely likenesses but emblems of power and resilience. Similarly, we see this theme echoing through time, such as in the self-portraits of Rembrandt, where the artist’s gaze becomes a mirror reflecting the inner self. The emotional weight is palpable, engaging us on a subconscious level. Kustodiev's gaze, like those before him, speaks to the cyclical progression of self-representation and how these images resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across different historical contexts.