Mirza Lotf Ali, Lettre Persan, Teheran 1931

Alexandre Jacovleff made this portrait of Mirza Lotf Ali in Teheran, using crayon and watercolor. I love the layering of color in this piece, it’s like watching the image slowly come into being. Looking closely, you can see Jacovleff’s hand in the hatched crayon marks, especially in the folds of the turban and the soft modeling of the face. The watercolor washes add depth and shadow, creating a warm, earthy palette. I am drawn to the way he renders the hands, clasped gently in the sitter’s lap, the lines capture their texture and age. The combination of the two mediums create a sense of volume and texture. Jacovleff was interested in capturing different cultures and people during his travels. He seems to be channeling the tradition of Orientalist painting, but maybe with a more personal touch, and less of the fantasy. It reminds me of Delacroix, another painter fascinated by other cultures, but with a different sensibility. It's exciting to see how artists build on each other's visions, creating an ongoing dialogue.