Artwork

Vasily Vereshchagin

Vasily Vereshchagin, by Ivan Kramskoi, oil
Vasily Vereshchagin, by Ivan Kramskoi, oil

Vasily Vereshchagin is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ivan Kramskoi. It is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting is a portrait of Vasily Vereshchagin, executed by Ivan Kramskoi in 1892. It is a representative work of Russian Realism and is housed in the Tretyakov Gallery.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Vereshchagin with a serious expression, his intense gaze directed at the viewer. His dark attire and the somber background contribute to a contemplative atmosphere, suggesting a thoughtful and possibly introspective individual.

Technique & Style

Kramskoi, a co-founder of the Peredvizhniki movement, was known for his realistic style. The portrait's somber tone and attention to detail reflect the artist's commitment to capturing the subject's character with accuracy and depth.

History & Provenance

The painting was created during the reign of Tsar Alexander II, a period when Kramskoi was an influential figure in Russian art as both a painter and critic. It is now part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ivan Kramskoi

Artist

Ivan Kramskoi

Ivan Nikolayevich Kramskoi (Russian: Иван Николаевич Крамской; 8 June 1837 – 5 April 1887) was a Russian Realist painter and art critic.

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