The artwork titled “Self Portrait,” created by Ilya Repin in 1923, stands as an exemplar of the Realism art movement. As a self-portrait, it provides a personal and introspective glimpse into the artist’s own visage and emotional state at the time of its creation.
The artwork reveals a hastily sketched, yet evocative representation of Repin’s facial features. It is characterized by dynamic, gestural strokes that convey the texture of his hair and the contours of his face. The eyes are rendered with particular emphasis, perhaps to draw the viewer into a moment of connection with the artist. The signature of Repin is prominently displayed in flowing script, adding a layer of authenticity and personal touch to the piece. Overall, the sketch is indicative of the artist’s skill in capturing a lifelike essence with minimal, but highly expressive lines. Signatures and other markings on the portrait suggest a date and possibly a dedication or notation by Repin himself, further situating the artwork historically and contextually.