Portrait of P.I. Neradovsky 1922

Boris Kustodiev made this portrait of P.I. Neradovsky, using what looks like pencil and maybe some pastel. What strikes me is how the strokes build up, layering tones to create a real sense of depth and volume. It's all about process, you know? Up close, the surface is so alive! The white of the paper peeks through, especially around the beard, making it look like it's floating, almost vibrating. The beard is the most worked section, with these tight, curly strokes that feel so energetic, like the guy's thoughts are swirling around in there. The color palette is subdued, just these earthy tones, which keeps it feeling grounded and serious. There is a raw quality to the drawing, nothing concealed here! It reminds me a bit of some drawings by Käthe Kollwitz, but maybe with a touch more tenderness. Anyway, it's one of those pieces that feels like an open invitation, like you could just keep looking and finding new things.