The artwork, “Portrait of Nikolai Evreinov,” is a notable piece created by the artist Ilya Repin in 1915. It falls within the genre of portraiture and is executed in oil on canvas, measuring 60 by 51.5 centimeters. This work aligns with the Realism art movement and as of the last records, it resides in a private collection.
In the artwork, the subject is depicted in profile, positioned slightly to the left of the canvas, which allows the observer to gain insight into the subject’s visage from a side perspective. The painter’s technique presents a realistic rendition of Evreinov, with careful attention to the nuances of his facial features, captured with expressive brush strokes. The background appears to be deliberately muted, perhaps to emphasize the figure more conspicuously.
Evreinov’s demeanor is poised and contemplative, giving the portrait a sense of depth and personality. His garment is traditional for the time, characterized by a dark formal coat with a glimpse of a pocket square, hinting at a measure of elegance and subtlety in his personal presentation.
Repin’s skill in handling light and shadow is evident in the way he illuminates the subject’s face against the less defined backdrop, directing the focus squarely on the visage and the intelligent expression it bears. The artist’s mastery of the Realist style is thus clear, capturing not merely the appearance but the intangible essence of the sitter, Nikolai Evreinov.
