The artwork is a portrait titled “Portrait of member of State Council Grand Prince Mikhail Aleksandrovich Romanov. Study,” executed by the artist Ilya Repin in 1901. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 70 by 58 centimeters. This piece is a fine example of the Realism art movement and is currently housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The painting depicts Grand Prince Mikhail Aleksandrovich Romanov in a half-length format, set against a neutral background that accentuates the sitter’s figure. The Grand Prince is adorned in a formal military uniform rich in detail, most notably the decorated sash and medals, which indicate his high rank and status. The color palette is relatively muted, with emphasis on the varying tones and textures of the military regalia. Repin’s brushwork provides a sense of depth and three-dimensionality, with the face and hands rendered in more precise detail in comparison to the looser strokes observed in the attire and background. His facial expression is somber and thoughtful, with a direct gaze that engages the viewer. The precision of the portrait suggests the artist’s intent to convey not just the physical likeness but also the dignified bearing of the subject. Overall, the painting is a striking representation of the individual, laudable for its verisimilitude and exemplary of Repin’s mastery in portraiture.
