Notre guide mongol Kumbo 1931

Alexandre Jacovleff made this portrait of Kumbo, their Mongolian guide, using pencil and pastel. I can imagine the artist’s hand moving quickly, capturing the light on Kumbo’s face. I wonder about the artist's encounter with Kumbo. The second, smaller figure feels like a memory, something fleeting. It reminds me of Matisse's line drawings, so economical and free. Jacovleff seems to be working fast to capture a likeness, the essence of Kumbo's character. There’s a beautiful blend of colors – warm browns and reds in the face contrasted against the cooler tones of the robe and headdress. You can almost feel the texture of the fabric, the way it drapes and folds. This portrait feels very alive! It reminds me that artists are constantly looking, learning from each other across time and place, inspired by the world around them.