The artwork titled “Portrait of a Peasant” is an oil on canvas painting by the artist Ilya Repin. As a masterful example of the Realism art movement, this portrait features dimensions of 22.5 by 18 centimeters and is categorized within the genre of portraiture. Currently, this piece resides within a private collection.
The painting portrays an elderly male peasant with a weathered and expressive face, captured in profile. The artist’s brushwork is bold and visible, adding texture and a sense of immediacy to the portrayal. The use of light and shadow on the subject’s face accentuates deep-set wrinkles and a life etched by hard work, while the neutral background ensures that the focus remains intently on the figure itself. The peasant’s gaze is directed away from the viewer, suggesting introspection or a moment of contemplation.
Repin’s skillful use of earthy, muted tones in the artwork adds to the realism of the depiction, highlighting the rugged character of the subject. The gestural brushstrokes exhibit the artist’s control and facility with the medium, while also conveying a certain vitality and emotional depth inherent in the peasant’s visage. The signature of Ilya Repin is discernible within the composition, validating the authenticity and artistic craftsmanship of the work.
