The artwork “Portrait of Folk Story-teller V.P. Schegolenkov” is a creation by the esteemed artist Ilya Repin, completed in the year 1879. This piece is an embodiment of the Realism art movement and takes the form of a portrait. Realism as a movement strives to depict subjects truthfully, without artificiality and avoiding artistic conventions, implausible, exotic, and supernatural elements.
The artwork presents the viewer with a compelling depiction of V.P. Schegolenkov, captured in a seated position. The subject is rendered with a respectful attention to detail that allows his character and profession as a storyteller to emerge. Repin’s mastery in portraiture is evident through the intricate rendering of textures and the thoughtful use of lighting, which highlight the storyteller’s expressive face and the lived-in quality of his attire. His long, white beard and deep-set eyes are particularly notable, and they seem to convey the wisdom and experience of his years. The subject’s hands are captured in a casual repose on the arms of the chair, further emphasizing a sense of naturalism and authenticity within the work.
