The artwork titled “Portrait of Dmitry Mendeleev” was created by Ilya Repin in 1885. This watercolor portrait is a prime example of the Realism art movement, measuring 58 by 46 centimeters. The genre of the piece is portraiture and it is housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
In the artwork, the subject, Dmitry Mendeleev, is depicted with a penetrating gaze and a stately yet contemplative expression. Mendeleev, recognized for his formulation of the Periodic Table of Elements, is portrayed in a traditional academic dress that speaks to his stature in the scientific community. The vibrant red and blue of his attire contrast with the muted background, drawing focus to his face and the books before him, which likely symbolize knowledge and his scholarly pursuits. The watercolor medium allows for a fluid interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the realistic portrayal of Mendeleev and bringing a sense of depth and dimensionality to the scene. Repin’s deft brushstrokes evoke the soft textures of the fabric and the rugged features of Mendeleev’s face, capturing not just a likeness but also a sense of the man’s intellectual vigor. The signature and date are prominently displayed, attesting to the artist’s pride in the work.
