The artwork is an oil on canvas portrait of the composer and chemist Aleksander Porfirievich Borodin, crafted by the artist Ilya Repin in the year 1888. It is an exemplary piece from the Realism art movement, measuring 209 by 138 centimeters. This genre of the artwork falls into the portrait category, depicting the subject in a manner reflective of the period’s aesthetic and cultural sensibilities.
The portrait features Borodin standing with a relaxed yet dignified pose against a backdrop that includes architectural elements such as a column and wall details. He is dressed soberly in a dark, double-breasted suit, which suggests a formal or professional occasion. His facial expression is contemplative, seemingly capturing a moment of introspection or a pause in thought. The lighting within the artwork highlights the figure, focusing the viewer’s attention on his visage and attire, thus conveying an atmosphere of composed solemnity. In the lower right corner, one may observe a slight hint of additional figures, suggesting a social or public setting, while the majority of the canvas is dedicated to articulating the stature and character of Borodin. The painterly technique, choice of palette, and composition all serve to underscore the subject’s significance and the artist’s skill in portraiture.
