The artwork titled “Portrait of Ivan Turgenev” was created by the renowned artist Ilya Repin in the year 1879. This piece is an exemplar of the Realism art movement, embodying the stylistic and thematic characteristics of the era. The genre of the artwork is that of a portrait, which denotes the representation of an individual, captured by the artist through their mastery of brushwork, color, and composition.
The portrait presents the figure of Ivan Turgenev seated and portrayed with striking dignity and a nuanced expression that suggests a contemplative mood. The individual is dressed in a dark suit complemented by white shirt cuffs protruding from the sleeves and a cravat, underscoring a semblance of formality and the fashion of the time. Repin’s brushwork skillfully captures the textures of fabric and hair, as well as the subtle interplay of light and shadow on the sitter’s face, conveying a lifelike presence.
Turgenev’s visage is rendered with particular attention to the details of his aged features; his eyes gaze directly at the viewer, manifesting a blend of intellect and a serene wisdom indicative of his years and life experiences. The predominantly dark background juxtaposes with the figure, drawing the viewer’s focus primarily to the sitter’s countenance and hands. The artwork exudes a psychological depth, characteristic of Repin’s ability to transcend mere likeness and delve into the character and inner world of his subjects.
