Portrait of P.A. Vlasov 1925

Boris Kustodiev created this drawing of P.A. Vlasov, using graphite pencil on paper. Kustodiev was working in Russia during a time of immense social and political upheaval; the artist’s portraits provide insight into the lives of individuals navigating these turbulent times. In this understated portrait we see a man, depicted from the waist up, seated in a relaxed pose. Kustodiev captures a sense of Vlasov's inner life through subtle details of posture and expression. Vlasov’s gaze is calm, his body language is relaxed. There’s a quiet confidence in his demeanor that speaks to a sense of self-assuredness. Kustodiev's choice to render the portrait in monochrome adds to its emotional depth. The soft gradations of tone create a sense of intimacy, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of the sitter's character. The portrait offers a glimpse into the world of a man living in a period of social change.