The artwork “Portrait of the Composer Alexander Glazunov” is a distinguished piece created by the artist Ilya Repin in the year 1887. Executed in oil on canvas, it measures 120 x 90 cm and embodies the Realist art movement. As a genre, it falls under portraiture.
The artwork captures Alexander Glazunov, the composer, in a three-quarter length pose. He is dressed formally in a black suit which contrasts sharply against the warm-toned red background, intensifying his somber and contemplative expression. Glazunov’s face suggests a certain introspection or concentration, a reflection that befits a composer of his stature. The careful rendering of his features, from the thoughtful eyes to the mustache and the hint of a crease in his brow, all contribute to the narrative of an intellectual immersed in his art.
Repin’s technique is evident in the lifelike portrayal of textures and materials, from the subject’s hair and skin to the fabric of his clothes. The contrast between the detailed figure and the less defined background focuses attention on Glazunov, while the subtle play of light highlights the contours of his face and hands. The composition, with Glazunov’s body slightly turned and his hand resting casually in his pocket, adds to the sense of an informal yet carefully structured representation.
The overall impact of the artwork is one of a deeply personal glimpse into the character and intellect of Glazunov, masterfully captured by Repin’s skillful brushwork and keen observation.
