Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Vasily Perov in 1861.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Man?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Man are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Vasily Perov , 1861

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Realist artist Vasily Perov. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1861, this oil portrait depicts a bearded gentleman wearing spectacles, a white shirt, a dark bow tie and a fur collar draped over his shoulders. Set against a deep, shadowy background, the sitter’s face is illuminated, drawing attention to his solemn expression. The work exemplifies the Russian realist approach of portraying ordinary individuals with directness and clarity.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is presented without embellishment, emphasizing his everyday appearance rather than idealized heroism. The serious gaze and modest attire suggest a focus on the inner character of a typical middle‑class man, reflecting the artist’s interest in social observation and the dignity of ordinary life.

Technique & Style

The painter employs a restrained palette, allowing the dark backdrop to accentuate the luminous skin tones. Soft, delicate brushwork renders the fur collar’s texture, while precise handling of light defines the contours of the face and glasses, underscoring the realist commitment to accurate, tactile representation.

History & Provenance

The portrait was produced by Vasily Perov, a central figure in the Peredvizhniki, a collective that championed realist art in Russia. Since its creation, the painting has become part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection, where it remains on public display.

Context

Emerging during a period when Russian artists sought to move away from academic conventions, the work aligns with the Peredvizhniki’s mission to depict contemporary society. Its straightforward composition and focus on a single, unnamed individual illustrate the movement’s dedication to portraying the lived experience of the Russian populace.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Vasily Perov

Vasily Grigorevich Perov (Russian: Василий Григорьевич Перов; 2 January 1834 – 10 June 1882) was a Russian painter, a key figure of the Russian Realist movement and one of the founding members of Peredvizhniki.