The artwork “Portrait of Pavel Chistyakov” is an oil on canvas painting by Ilya Repin, a renowned Russian artist associated with the Realism movement. Created in 1878, it is a portrait genre work that captures the likeness and character of Pavel Chistyakov, a prominent figure in Repin’s time.
In this formal and richly hued portrait, Pavel Chistyakov is depicted with a penetrating gaze that conveys a sense of intelligence and introspection. His posture is relaxed yet dignified, seated with one arm resting on what appears to be the arm of a chair, his hand gently clasped. Chistyakov’s attire is formal, dressed in a dark suit that provides a striking contrast against the warm, textured background behind him. The brushwork is confident and expressive, characteristic of Repin’s skill in portraiture, capturing not just the physical likeness but also hinting at the subject’s personality and stature. The artist’s signature and the date of the painting are clearly inscribed in the upper right corner of the canvas, validating its authenticity and historic significance.
