The artwork titled “Head of Peasant (study)” was created by the Russian artist Ilya Repin in 1880. It is executed in oil on canvas, measuring 59 by 49 centimeters. Belonging to the Realism movement, this work is a portrait that reflects a thorough study of a peasant’s visage, paying homage to the genre’s commitment to depicting the lives and appearances of ordinary people authentically.
The artwork displays a high level of detail in rendering the facial features of the subject, a male peasant. He is presented in profile, gazing to the side with an expression that conveys a sense of contemplation or resolve. His brow is furrowed, which may suggest a moment of intensity or concern. The thick brushstrokes and realistic use of lighting accentuate the contours of his face and the texture of his skin, emphasizing the rugged features associated with physical labor.
Repin’s mastery in capturing human emotion and character is evident in this study. The peasant’s clothing is rendered with a dark palette, which pushes the focus towards his face, effectively isolating his expression as the central theme of the piece. The earnest and unembellished portrayal is a testament to the Realist aim to portray subjects without idealization, thus providing a powerful empathetic connection between the viewer and the depicted individual.
