The artwork, titled “Portrait of Victor Goshkevich, the Founder of the Historic Archaeological Museum in Kherson,” was crafted by the artist Viktor Vasnetsov in 1887. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the Realism art movement and falls under the genre of portraiture.
The artwork presents a solemn and contemplative depiction of Victor Goshkevich, highlighting his prominence and intellectual nature through precise brushwork and detailed rendering. The subject is portrayed with a full beard, gazing steadfastly into the distance, exuding an aura of wisdom and dedication. The color palette is restrained, focusing on earthy tones which lend an air of authenticity and depth to the character of the sitter. The background remains unembellished, ensuring that the viewer’s attention remains firmly on the subject, thereby reflecting the Realist commitment to depicting honest and unidealized human emotions.