The artwork titled “Portrait of poet Grand Prince Konstantin Konstantinovich Romanov,” created by the renowned artist Ilya Repin in 1891, illustrates the grandeur of Realism. This oil on canvas painting, measuring 93 x 76 cm, is a portrait by genre, and is presently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork captures the Grand Prince Konstantin Konstantinovich Romanov in a half-length pose against a rich, dark background that brings a deep focus to the subject. The prince is depicted in full regalia, indicating his royal standing and military affiliation. His uniform is intricately detailed, adorned with distinguished medals and orders that reflect the light and add a textural contrast to the piece. His eyes gaze thoughtfully into the distance, and his right hand is delicately poised near his face, suggesting a moment of introspection or contemplation.
Ilya Repin’s mastery of realism is evident in the lifelike representation of the subject’s features, from the nuanced expression on his face to the detail of his beard and the reflective quality of the fabric in his uniform. Despite the formality of his attire and position, there is an intimate quality to the portrait that offers a glimpse into the personal character of the grand prince. The subtlety of the painting is echoed in the muted color palette used by Repin, which reinforces the solemn and dignified mood of the portrait.
