The artwork entitled “Head of a Man” was crafted by the artist Ilya Repin in 1882. It is an oil painting on canvas with dimensions of 40.5 x 35 cm. The piece embodies the Realism art movement and is categorized as a portrait. Currently, this work of art is housed in the Tretyakov Gallery located in Moscow, Russia.
The portrait features a man rendered with remarkable attention to detail, as is characteristic of the Realist movement, which sought to portray subjects truthfully without artificiality or avoidance of the sordid aspects of life. The brushstrokes that form the subject’s hair and facial features are done with skill, resulting in a lifelike representation. Repin’s use of light and shadow gives the face a three-dimensional quality, highlighting the man’s contemplative expression. The background of the artwork is executed with looser brushwork, providing a contrast that draws further focus to the figure. Through its technique, the portrait communicates a sense of individual personality, suggesting the inner life of the man depicted. The artwork is signed and dated by the artist, and there appears to be handwriting on the canvas which may be indicative of a personal note or further information regarding the painting.
