The artwork “Leo Tolstoy reading” was created by the artist Ilya Repin in the year 1891. It is a pencil work executed with a realist approach and measures 24 x 33 cm. This portrait is part of the genre of realism and is housed in the Tretyakov Gallery located in Moscow, Russia.
In this drawing, the figure of Leo Tolstoy is captured in a moment of repose, deeply engrossed in a book. The detail and care with which Repin has rendered the scene suggest a familiarity and comfort with his subject, conveying an intimate atmosphere. The fine pencil strokes depict the textures of Tolstoy’s beard, the folds of his clothes, and the furnishings with great attention to detail. The overall composition of the artwork, with Tolstoy centred and lounging comfortably, contributes to the candid and informal feel of the portrait, offering a glimpse into the private world of an eminent literary figure. The surrounding objects, which include a table, writing implements, and a cup, provide context to the scene, emphasizing both the intellect and the mundane aspects of the subject’s life.
