The artwork “Portrait of the Artist Ivan P. Pohitonov” is an oil on canvas painting by Ilya Repin created in the year 1882. It measures 64.5 x 53.5 cm and is executed in the Realism style, which was prominent during the time of its creation. The genre of the artwork is a portrait, and it currently resides in the Tretyakov Gallery located in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork presents a compelling depiction of Ivan P. Pohitonov, skilfully capturing the essence of the individual subject. The brushstrokes convey texture and realism, with a particular emphasis on the facial features that imbue the subject with life and character. Pohitonov’s gaze seems contemplative and direct, engaging the viewer with a sense of presence. The color palette is relatively muted, with a neutral background that allows the viewer to focus on the subject’s visage and upper body dressed in a black garment. The painter’s expertise in portraying the intricate play of light and shadow is evident, contributing to the three-dimensionality and depth of the work. Repin’s signature and the date are inscribed in the upper left corner, serving as a testament to the artist’s authorship and the period of the painting’s completion. The overall composition is traditional for portraiture yet it retains a distinctive intimacy and immediacy that is characteristic of Repin’s approach to portraiture.
