The artwork entitled “Head of a Peasant” is a captivating oil on canvas painting by the renowned artist Ilya Repin. The painting, which measures 59 x 49 cm, exemplifies the Realism art movement, known for its representation of subjects as they appear in everyday life without embellishment or interpretation. Repin’s artwork is a portrait genre that resides at the Museum of Russian Art (Tereshchenko Museum) in Kyiv, Ukraine, where it is part of a larger collection that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Russian art.
“Head of a Peasant” portrays the visage of a man, set against a muted, dark green background that accentuates the subject’s features. The man’s penetrating gaze directs slightly upwards and to the side, as if he is focused on something distant or out of the viewer’s field of vision. His rugged complexion and the furrows lining his forehead suggest a life of hard labor and outdoor exposure. The painting is imbued with a sense of individual character, highlighting the peasant’s distinct facial traits, such as his strong jawline, prominent cheekbones, and thick mustache. The use of light and shadow further accentuates the textures and contours of the face, conveying a raw, lifelike presence that is characteristic of the Realism movement. Repin’s brushwork is vigorous, with visible strokes that add to the painting’s overall impression of vitality and authenticity.
