The artwork “Portrait of S. Mamontov,” created in 1879, is a work by Ilya Repin, a renowned artist associated with the Realism movement. As a portrait, this piece captures the essence of its subject, presenting a moment of likely introspection or conversation.
The artwork is a skilled representation rendered with a sense of immediacy and vitality that characterizes Repin’s masterful hand. The subject, S. Mamontov, is depicted in profile, which allows a view of his defining features: a pronounced nose, full mustache, and receding hairline. He appears contemplative, his gaze directed outward beyond the viewer’s sightline, suggesting an engagement with thoughts or events outside the immediate setting. The brushwork, while precise, also has a loose quality that adds a dynamic texture to the portrait. In the background, faint outlines of what appear to be sculptural works or other decorative elements hint at a cultured environment. Repin’s signature and the year ’79’ (1879) are visible, affirming the work’s authenticity and timeline. The overall composition and execution of this piece underscore the characteristics of the Realism movement, in which artists aimed to depict subjects truthfully, without embellishment, and with a focus on everyday life.
