A watercolour portrait by Karl Bryullov depicts Captain A. M. Kostinich in military attire, showcasing the artist's delicate brushwork and subtle gradations of tone.

This watercolour portrait by Karl Bryullov captures Captain A. M. Kostinich with a direct and somewhat melancholic gaze. Bryullov, a prominent figure in Russian art during the first half of the 19th century, was known for his history paintings and portraits that combined Romantic ideals with academic training. His ability to capture likeness and character made him a sought-after portraitist among the Russian elite. The portrait features Kostinich in military attire, with a high-collared uniform and epaulette visible. The artist's delicate brushwork and subtle gradations of tone create a sense of depth and texture, particularly in the rendering of the uniform's fabric and the subject's hair. The limited colour palette, dominated by browns and creams, adds to the work's understated elegance. The composition focuses on the upper body of the Captain, set against a neutral background, which draws attention to his face and expression. Bryullov's skill in watercolour is evident in the fluidity and transparency of the washes, which give the portrait a sense of immediacy and intimacy.