The artwork is a portrait of the poet and slavophile Ivan Sergeyevich Aksakov, painted by Ilya Repin in 1878. The medium is oil on canvas, and it measures 97 by 76 centimeters. Reflecting the Realism art movement, the portrait represents the genre adeptly and is housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts the seated figure of Aksakov, dressed in formal attire with a dark coat and white shirt, accented by a white cravat. His expression is solemn and contemplative, with his gaze directed towards the viewer, giving a sense of direct engagement. The handling of light and shadow on his face highlights his features, adding depth to his character and a lifelike quality to the portrait. Aksakov’s hands rest on a table, one holding a book, suggesting his literary inclinations, while the other is near a tray with a small bottle and a glass, possibly indicating personal habits or daily rituals that complement his intellectual pursuits. The background is subdued, a dark void that focuses attention on the subject, which is a typical characteristic of Repin’s style, emphasizing realism and the psychological depth of his subjects.
