Fara Ali, Afdem - Alexandre Jacovleff

A 1928 portrait by Alexandre Jacovleff depicting Fara Ali of the Afdem people, rendered in charcoal and sanguine with detailed attention to traditional attire.

This portrait of Fara Ali, a member of the Afdem people, originates from the 1928 expedition across Africa led by Georges-Marie Haardt. Alexandre Jacovleff, a Russian artist known for his technical precision and draughtsmanship, documented the people he encountered during this journey with a focus on individual character and traditional attire.

Jacovleff employs a combination of sanguine and charcoal to render the subject. The medium allows for a soft, atmospheric quality in the skin tones, contrasted by the firm, deliberate lines defining the facial features and the structure of the hands. The subject holds a staff, his gaze directed toward the viewer with a steady, composed expression.

The garment worn by Fara Ali is rendered with a distinct geometric pattern, utilising a palette of yellow, red, green, and blue. Jacovleff uses these colours to provide a sense of texture and volume, suggesting the weight and weave of the fabric. The background remains largely unworked, which directs attention to the figure and the specific details of his dress.

This work is representative of Jacovleff's approach to portraiture during his travels. He sought to capture the physical presence of his subjects while maintaining a disciplined, academic style. The drawing reflects his interest in the intersection of human form and cultural identity, documented through the lens of early twentieth-century travel. The signature and date are visible in the lower left corner, confirming the period of its creation during the Citroën-sponsored expedition.