Portrait of Russian painter  Filipp Andreevich Maljawin 

Léon Bakst created this portrait of Filipp Andreevich Maljawin using charcoal on paper. The immediate impression is one of intensity, brought about by the nature of the charcoal medium itself. Each stroke is assertive, direct and without blending, capturing the sitter’s likeness with remarkable economy. The smudging and hatching of charcoal lends a sense of texture to the subject's hair and clothing. What is interesting is the physical labor involved in the production of this work, the act of repeatedly applying charcoal to the paper, building up tone and form with what seems like raw simplicity. This directness connects to a wider history of drawing as a fundamental skill, a foundation for all visual art practices. It's important to appreciate the artist's engagement with his materials, revealing how the processes used, imbue the artwork with a sense of authenticity. It encourages us to expand our understanding of art history, blurring the boundaries between fine art and craft.