Portrait of T.S. Repina, mother of the artist (1879) by Ilya Repin

Portrait of T.S. Repina, mother of the artist - Ilya Repin - 1879

Artwork Information

TitlePortrait of T.S. Repina, mother of the artist
ArtistIlya Repin
Date1879
Art MovementRealism

About Portrait of T.S. Repina, mother of the artist

The artwork entitled “Portrait of T.S. Repina, mother of the artist” was created by Ilya Repin in 1879 and exemplifies the Realism art movement. As a portrait, it seeks to render the subject with fidelity to visual reality, capturing the essence of the individual being portrayed.

In this artwork, T.S. Repina, the artist’s mother, is depicted with a gentle, contemplative expression. Repin employs fine and vigorous lines to define the contours of her face and attire, creating a sense of depth and character. The strokes are distinctly visible, imparting a sketch-like quality to the piece, which adds to its immediacy and intimacy. The shading on her face highlights her features, emphasizing the tender and possibly pensive mood captured at the moment. Her attire is simply rendered, with quick, dynamic strokes providing a sense of texture and form, suggesting everyday clothing suitable to her status and age.

The emotion conveyed in the artwork is subtle; Repin has masterfully delivered an image that speaks of his mother’s character without resorting to grandiosity. The visual elements are focused on her, with the background only lightly suggested, thus ensuring that the viewer’s attention remains riveted on her persona. The choices of composition and the nuanced use of line in the portrait are quintessential characteristics of the Realism movement, underlining Repin’s skill in bringing an authentic human experience to the viewer.

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