The artwork titled “Self-Portrait” was crafted in 1887 by the renowned artist Ilya Repin. As a quintessential creation of oil on canvas, this piece stands at the dimensions of 75 by 62 centimeters. This work is firmly rooted in the Realism art movement, which emphasizes the accurate depiction of ordinary life without embellishment or interpretation. The genre of this painting is appropriately classified as a self-portrait, which is housed within the prestigious collections of the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork portrays the artist himself with a penetrating gaze, conveying self-assurance and intellectual depth. Repin, with a full beard and a head of curly hair, looks directly out of the canvas as if engaging the viewer in silent dialogue. The facial features are rendered with a high degree of realism, capturing the light and shadow to give depth to his visage.
The artist’s clothing is painted in muted colors, with an attention to detail that suggests texture and fabric weight without detracting from the focus on his face. The subtle use of color and brushwork on the attire complements the more vividly articulated facial features. A neutral background serves to further accentuate the figure, providing a stark contrast that allows the subject to dominate the canvas.
Repin’s signature, along with the year the portrait was painted, is prominently displayed on the lower right of the canvas, validating the artwork’s authenticity and marking it in time. Overall, the self-portrait is a compelling testament to Ilya Repin’s mastery of the Realism movement, showcasing his skill in bringing forth his own image with sincerity and technical precision.