The artwork in question is a portrait of Mikhail Nikolayevich Galkin-Vraskoi, who was a Secretary of State, general, and member of the State Council, as rendered by the artist Ilya Repin in 1903. Executed in oil on canvas, it is an exemplary work of the Realist movement and measures 65 by 58 centimeters. The genre of this piece is portraiture, which is a significant feature of Repin’s oeuvre.
The artwork presents a profile view of Mikhail Nikolayevich Galkin-Vraskoi. It captures the subject from the side, as he appears to be seated and gazing into the distance. The figure is dressed in an elaborate uniform, suggesting his high military rank and prestigious social status. The uniform is detailed, with gold braiding and richly adorned epaulettes that contrast sharply against the dark fabric of the attire. His head is balding and he carries an expression of contemplation and gravitas.
The background of the portrait consists of plush, red velvet upholstery and a small table upon which lie some documents and what appear to be a couple of candlestick holders, indicating an interior setting, perhaps an office or a council chamber where the subject would perform his official duties. The use of light and shadow in the painting is subtle, focusing the viewer’s attention on the profile of Galkin-Vraskoi’s face and the ornate details of his military regalia.
