The artwork titled “Portrait of a Boy” is a notable creation by the artist Ilya Repin, completed in the year 1881. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 34.5 x 25 cm, and is currently held in a private collection. This portrait is an exemplar of the Realism art movement, which sought to represent subjects truthfully without artificiality and avoiding artistic conventions, implausible, exotic, and supernatural elements.
In the artwork, a young boy is depicted in a three-quarter profile view, looking towards his left with an earnest and attentive expression. The artist’s use of directional light highlights the contours of the boy’s face, casting a gentle shadow that accentuates his youthful features. Repin’s realistic approach is evident through the detailed rendering of the boy’s fair hair, the texture of his skin, and his simple white shirt that drapes naturally over his shoulders. The background is understated and unadorned, directing the viewer’s focus entirely to the subject of the portrait.
The signature of Ilya Repin, along with the year of the painting’s completion, is clearly visible in the lower right corner of the artwork, providing authenticity and historical context. The adept handling of light and shadow, combined with the sensitive portrayal of the young boy, creates a timeless piece that resonates with the viewer and stands as a testament to Repin’s mastery of portraiture within the Realist tradition.
