The artwork entitled “Portrait of the architect Philip Dmitrievich Hloboschin” was created by the renowned artist Ilya Repin in 1868. This portrait is part of the Realism art movement, a genre that aims to represent subjects truthfully, without artificiality and avoiding speculative fiction and supernatural elements. As a genre piece, this portrait is considered a significant work that captures the essence and character of its subject, the architect Philip Dmitrievich Hloboschin.
The artwork showcases a meticulous level of detail and rich realism, characteristic of Ilya Repin’s style. The subject is depicted from a three-quarter view, looking off to the side, which provides a sense of depth and thoughtfulness. His features are rendered with fine brushwork; the glistening of light on his hair, the texture of his moustache, and the subtle tonal variations in his skin convey a lifelike presence. His attire appears formal and composed, typical of the period, with a dark coat that contrasts sharply against the muted background. Repin’s use of light and shadow on the subject’s face suggests volume and adds to the intimacy and immediacy of the portrait.
The artist’s signature and the year of the creation are visible in the upper right corner of the artwork, denoting its authenticity and historical context. Repin’s skillful portrayal of Hloboschin not only captures the architect’s physical likeness but also a sense of his personality, an approach that is emblematic of the Realism movement. The personal demeanor of the subject, the attention to detail, and the overall composition of the portrait are indicative of Repin’s mastery as a painter and his commitment to capturing the essence of a moment in time.
