A peasant with an evil eye.
1889
oil
From the collection of Tretyakov Gallery
1889
oil
From the collection of Tretyakov Gallery
The painting depicts an older man with a long, gray beard and hair, wearing a dark blue shirt. He has a prominent nose and a serious expression, with his eyes cast downward. The background of the painting is a warm, golden color. The man's facial features are rendered in fine detail, with deep lines and wrinkles etched into his skin. His eyes seem to hold a sense of intensity, despite being cast downward. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye to the subject's face. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to reflect on the subject's inner world. To learn more about the artist's use of light and shadow, look up the technique of chiaroscuro.