Mirza Lotf Ali, Lettre Persan, Teheran 1931

Alexandre Jacovleff created this portrait, Mirza Lotf Ali, in Teheran with a mixed media of charcoal, gouache, and pastel on paper. I can imagine Jacovleff, with focused intensity, beginning by lightly sketching the composition in charcoal, mapping out the figure's pose, and then, one step at a time, building up the colors and tones with layers of gouache and pastel. I feel the careful attention to detail in the face, particularly around the eyes and beard, and the overall effect is one of calm dignity, capturing the sitter's inner presence. I wonder if Jacovleff was inspired by earlier portrait traditions, like the Old Masters. You can feel in the rendering of light and shadow across the face a technique which is reminiscent of Rembrandt! I bet they had an interesting conversation, artist and sitter. This piece is not just a visual representation, but also an exchange between two people, each bringing their own history, culture, and experience to the moment of creation.