Portrait of Alexander Varnek 1814

This charcoal portrait, *Portrait of Alexander Varnek*, was created in 1814 by Russian artist Orest Kiprensky (1782-1836). The subject is depicted in profile, with a strong emphasis on his facial features and the texture of his clothing. Kiprensky's loose, expressive strokes lend a sense of immediacy to the piece, highlighting the artist's ability to capture his subjects' individuality. While the subject's identity is unknown, the work offers a glimpse into Kiprensky's early style and his skill in capturing the essence of a person through portraiture.