The artwork “Portrait of Leo Tolstoy” is an oil on canvas painting completed by the artist Ilya Repin in the year 1887. This work exemplifies the Realist art movement and is categorized as a portrait genre. It measures 124 by 88 centimeters and is currently housed at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
In the artwork, the esteemed writer Leo Tolstoy is depicted seated, evoking a sense of contemplation and intellectual depth. Tolstoy, famous for his literary masterpieces such as “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina,” is shown with a long, flowing beard and deep-set eyes that draw the viewer into his thoughtful demeanor. He wears a simple black garb that contrasts starkly with the lighter background, focusing attention on his expressive face and hands. One hand rests gently on the arm of his chair, while the other holds a book, a likely nod to his literary contributions. The brushwork is detailed yet fluid, creating a lifelike representation that captures the essence of Tolstoy’s character. Repin’s skill in portraying the texture of the beard, the soft fabric of the clothing, and the introspective expression of Tolstoy’s face attests to the artist’s mastery within the Realist tradition.