The artwork “Portrait of Polixena Stasova” was created by the Russian artist Ilya Repin in 1879. The medium used is oil on canvas, and it belongs to the Realism movement. Measuring 75 by 66 centimeters, this work of art falls under the genre of portraits, capturing the likeness and persona of the subject, Polixena Stasova.
The artwork depicts a seated woman who appears to be gazing directly at the viewer, her expression one of calmness and poise. She is dressed in a black garment with a white lace collar, suggesting a sense of modesty and sobriety. The woman’s hands are delicately placed, one resting on the arm of the chair, with detailed attention paid to the rendering of the fingers and the texture of the lace adornment.
The backdrop of the painting is relatively subdued, with a rich burgundy and brown tones, allowing the subject to stand prominently within the composition. The subject’s face is illuminated against the darker background, drawing attention to her facial features and attentive expression. The technical skill of Repin is evident in the realistic depiction of texture and fabric, as well as the interplay between light and shadow which gives the painting depth and dimensionality.
Repin’s expertise in portraiture is demonstrated through the subject’s contemplative yet accessible demeanor, making it an exemplary piece of the Realism art movement, portraying its subjects with honesty and meticulous attention to detail.
