Portrait of Leo Tolstoy, Repin, 1887 
- Posted by Ilya Efimovich Repin
- Museum: Tretyakov Gallery
- Year: 1887
Overview of the painting :
Portrait of Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy – Ilya Efimovich Repin. 1887. Oil on canvas. 124 x 88 cm
The portrait makes a vivid and strong impression. Before us is undoubtedly a descendant of the ancient noble family, even two genera. On the line of the mother of Leo Tolstoy, a straight descendant of Yaroslav the Wise, along the line of his father – the legendary Indris, the figure is mysterious, obscure. High forehead, pathetic beard, rough facial features. Russian barin, confidently sitting in an old chair. The look is detached, neutral, fixed into the distance, as if it pierces the viewer, passes through it. The eyes are clear and kind. Simple black clothes, merging with the same black chair, visually increases the figure of the hero.
A light and clean background reinforces the impression. The book is in the hands, the detail is symbolic, not accidental. Before us is a writer at the time of reflection on what was read, at the time of the emergence of a new, brilliant idea. Looking at the portrait, anyone is able to feel the greatness and spiritual monumentality of Tolstoy.