Ernst Neizvestny - Head in Hand (Ink and acrylic on paper)

Ernst Neizvestny (Russian, 1925–2016) — Head in Hand (Untitled)
Ink and acrylic on paper laid on card
Signed by the artist in Cyrillic (lower left)
80 × 59 cm (31 ½ × 23 ¼ in), unframed

Provenance:
Acquired directly from the artist
Private collection, Italy
Bonhams, Paris

In Head in Hand (Untitled), Ernst Neizvestny channels a raw, almost mythical emotional force. Rendered in ink and acrylic, the composition depicts a small human head gently cradled by an immense hand — a potent symbol embodying both the weight of burden and the tenderness of compassion. Vivid pink highlights and sweeping, expressive strokes amplify the work’s emotional resonance.

This unique and deeply evocative piece on paper laid on card stands as a philosophical meditation on the human condition — an intimate and psychological vision from one of the most significant Soviet nonconformist artists.