The artwork titled “Portrait of V. K. Pleve” is a profound piece by Ilya Repin, created in the year 1902. This oil on canvas is a fine example of Realism, an art movement that Repin significantly contributed to. It falls within the genre of portrait painting and is housed at the Belarusian National Museum of Fine Arts in Minsk, Belarus. The portrait depicts V. K. Pleve, whose identity and background are not detailed here, in a state of repose or contemplation.
In the artwork, the subject is seated against a backdrop that suggests an interior setting likely indicative of a study or office. The figure is dressed formally in black, contrasting with the light hues that illumine the setting. His hand is poised thoughtfully near his face, granting a contemplative air to his demeanor. The desk is cluttered with papers and books, perhaps illustrating the subject’s profession or preoccupations with scholarly or bureaucratic pursuits. These elements, combined with the rich colors and detailed rendering of textures—from the soft light filtering through the window to the lustrous finish on the wooden furniture—emphasize the Realist approach to depicting life with truth and accuracy. The ambiance created by the artist is not only reflective of the individual’s psychological state but also telling of the social and cultural nuances of the era.
