Artwork

Dragonfly. Painter's daughter portrait

Dragonfly. Painter's daughter portrait, by Ilya Repin, oil, 1892
Dragonfly. Painter's daughter portrait, by Ilya Repin, oil, 1892

Dragonfly. Painter's daughter portrait is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ilya Repin. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery. Dragonfly.

About this work

Overview

Dragonfly. Painter's daughter portrait is an 1892 oil painting by Ilya Repin, a prominent Ukrainian-born Russian artist of the 19th century. The work is a portrait of a young girl, executed in the Realist style, and is part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Repin's daughter in a relaxed, outdoor setting, conveyed through her casual attire and pose on a log. Her calm demeanor, set against a serene blue sky with faint clouds, imbues the portrait with a sense of peacefulness.

Technique & Style

Repin employed characteristic Realist techniques, emphasizing everyday life's simplicity. The composition's focus on natural light, the subdued color palette (notably the blue dress and hat), and the detailed rendering of the subject contribute to the overall realism and serene atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1892, the painting has been part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection, ensuring its preservation and public accessibility.

Context

As a Realist work, Dragonfly reflects Repin's alignment with the movement's values, prioritizing the depiction of ordinary life and environments. The portrait also offers a personal glimpse into the artist's life, being a depiction of his daughter.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ilya Repin

Artist

Ilya Repin

Ilya Yefimovich Repin (5 August 1844 – 29 September 1930) was a Ukrainian-born Russian painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.