Who painted Portrait of a Boy?

Portrait of a Boy was painted by Ilya Repin in 1884-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of a Boy?

Portrait of a Boy is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Boy?

Portrait of a Boy is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Boy?

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

Artwork

Portrait of a Boy

Ilya Repin , 1892

Portrait of a Boy is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ilya Repin. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The medium of oil on canvas was standard for Repin's portraiture of this period, allowing for layered glazes and precise tonal modeling.

Ilya Repin executed Portrait of a Boy in 1884 using oil paint on canvas, measuring 57.2 by 44.1 centimeters. The medium of oil on canvas was standard for Repin's portraiture of this period, allowing for layered glazes and precise tonal modeling. The work belongs to the portrait genre and is characterized by its direct, intimate presentation of the subject.

Repin's handling demonstrates the realist approach for which he was renowned, careful observation of facial structure, skin tone, and psychological presence without idealization. The relatively modest dimensions suggest a private, study-like format rather than a grand ceremonial portrait. The painting's current condition and any conservation history are not specified in the available sources. Its formal qualities emphasize naturalism and individual character over decorative or academic conventions.

History & Provenance

Portrait of a Boy is an oil-on-canvas work by Ilya Repin dated 1884. The painting entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains held. No further details regarding commission, intermediate ownership, or acquisition history are documented in the available sources.

Overview

Ilya Repin, a leading Russian painter of the late 19th century, created this oil portrait in 1892. Titled Portrait of a Boy, the work captures a young subject in profile, his gaze directed away from the viewer. The painting is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a facet of Repin's extensive practice in depicting individuals.

Context

Ilya Repin was a preeminent figure in 19th-century Russian art, celebrated for his commitment to realism. His oeuvre frequently explored themes of Russian life and society, often through incisive portraiture. While he often depicted prominent literary and artistic personalities, this work demonstrates his broader engagement with the genre, capturing the likeness of an anonymous youth with characteristic directness and psychological depth.