The artwork titled “Poprishchin” is a creation of the artist Ilya Repin from the year 1882. This piece is characterized by the medium of oil on canvas and adheres to the Realism movement. The dimensions of the work measure at 98 by 69 centimeters and it belongs to the genre of literary painting, hinting at a narrative or story behind the visual representation.
“Poprishchin,” portrays a solitary figure who stands prominently against a dark, almost monolithic background. The subject is attired in what appears to be a hospital or asylum uniform of the time, predominantly in shades of pale yellow with indications of wear, such as frayed edges, giving the cloth a tactile quality. The figure’s stance is rigid and resolute, arms folded across the chest in a self-protective posture, while the facial expression is marked by a poignant mixture of defiance and resignation. Notable too is the headwrap, which along with the subject’s attire, suggests a setting within a medical or caregiver institution. The use of light and shadow is skillfully applied, focusing the viewer’s attention on the figure’s intense gaze and the texture of the clothing. Repin’s work here is evocative, communicating a narrative that engages the viewer in contemplating the story and emotional state of the depicted character. The somber color palette and focused illumination underscore the dramatic and psychological depth of the artwork, typical of Repin’s approach to portraying human emotions and conditions within the framework of Realism.
