The artwork “Portrait of Countess Sophia Vladimirovna Panina” was created by the renowned artist Ilya Repin in 1909. It is an oil painting on canvas that measures 107 by 79 centimeters. This piece is an exemplification of the Realism art movement and specifically falls under the genre of portraiture.
The painting depicts Countess Sophia Vladimirovna Panina, standing against a dark background that accentuates her figure. Her pose exudes a sense of refined elegance and composure, with one hand gently resting on her hip while the other is slightly extended. The countess is dressed in an opulent black gown with intricate detailing, and the texture of the fabric is rendered with meticulous care to reflect light and shadow, giving a sense of realism to her attire.
Her expression is contemplative and serene, with soft features that are illuminated gently against the dark backdrop, potentially indicating her inner nobility and the societal position she holds. The artwork captures a moment in time, reflecting the character and status of the subject, true to the ideals of the Realism movement. Repin’s skillful use of the brush is evident in the lifelike representation of the countess’s visage and the nuanced interplay of light that gives depth to her persona.
