The artwork “Self portrait at work” was created by the artist Ilya Repin in 1915. The medium used for this self-portrait is oil on canvas, and it reflects the Realism art movement. The dimensions of the piece measure 125 x 94 cm. This genre of the artwork falls under self-portraiture, and it currently resides at the National Gallery in Prague, located in Prague, Czech Republic.
The artwork vividly depicts the artist, Ilya Repin, engrossed in his creative process. He is portrayed in a studio environment with a focused and contemplative expression, hinting at the introspective nature of self-portraiture. His gaze is directed outward, seemingly making contact with the viewer, which adds a dynamic engagement to the piece.
Repin is shown with loose, casual attire which may reflect the personal intimacy of the artistic act. The brush in his hand and what appears to be a palette below suggest that he is in the midst of painting, a meta-commentary on the art of creating art itself. You can infer the mastery of his craft from the confident pose and direct, piercing gaze. The artwork captures the essence of the man, the artist, and the singular moment of creation. The style is defined by a nuanced use of light and shadow that accentuates the depth of the scene, as well as the realistic rendering of the textures and materials, hallmarks of the Realist movement.
