Portrait of a military doctor 1812

This 1812 charcoal portrait by Orest Kiprensky is a striking depiction of a military doctor, possibly a surgeon. The subject's gaze is directed away from the viewer, creating a sense of contemplation and a subtle air of mystery. The doctor's uniform, rendered with meticulous detail, reveals his profession. The use of charcoal creates a strong contrast between light and dark, emphasizing the subject's features and adding depth to the composition. The intimate scale of the work suggests it was likely intended for a private collection.