The artwork titled “Leo Tolstoy Resting in the Forest” is a realist oil painting created by Ilya Repin in 1891. Measuring 60 x 50 cm, this portrait is part of the Realism art movement and currently resides in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia. It depicts the renowned Russian writer Leo Tolstoy in a natural setting, engrossed in reading.
The painting portrays Tolstoy seated against a tree, fully immersed in the pages of a book. His attire is casual, with loose-fitting clothes that blend with the soft, muted tones of the forest surrounding him. The sense of tranquility is palpable, as the dappled light filters through the lush greenery, casting a harmonious play of light and shadow on the scene.
Repin’s brushwork is confident and energetic, capturing the texture of the foliage and the fabric of Tolstoy’s clothing with vibrant, tactile strokes. The overall atmosphere is one of peaceful contemplation, as Tolstoy is shown in a private moment of intellectual repose. This artwork serves as a fine example of Repin’s skill in portraiture and his ability to convey not just the physical likeness but also the inner life of his subject.
