Portrait of Vladimir Stasov (1824-1906) Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

Description of Ilya Repin’s Portrait of V. V. Stasov

Repin, while socializing in high artistic circles, became acquainted with Stasov, a noted art historian and art critic, who over time became a good friend of his. They often traveled together.

One day, together with Stasov, Repin arrives in Dresden, where they stay in a local hotel. Here, in his room, the artist paints the masterpiece Portrait of V. V. Stasov.

Repin had long proposed to his friend to paint his portrait, but with the constant travels there was no time. And now, the time has appeared. It was due to the fact that for some reason the gallery was closed for a holiday, and leave without visiting the exhibition friends could not.

The artist had the utmost respect for his friend Stasov. He called him in his memoirs "noble knight", saying that his high ideology did not allow to create art for art. Stasov was respected and even feared by lower level critics. His frankness, straightforwardness, and principledness are expressed in the portrait with all the power of artistic skill.

However, not only the severity and power of character managed to write on the canvas of the great artist. In each of his sitters Repin saw first of all a living human soul. The same first plan is expressed in the portrait of Vladimir. V. Stasov.

Repin painted inspired two days straight, Stasov patiently posed. The portrait is linked wonderful case, which often recalled himself Repin. After the picture was painted, Repin put it on the chair in which his sitter was previously sat. A servant came in and respectfully greeted Repin and then the portrait.

The artist laughed heartily, but realized the finality of his work and did not make any more strokes in it. All this shows how skillfully Repin wielded an artistic brush. Stasov lived in his picture, because the artist has transferred not only the face but also the soul.