Artwork
Head of a Man
Head of a Man is an oil painting by the Realist artist Vasily Perov. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a portrait, it focuses on the realistic depiction of the man's head and facial features, typical of Vasily Perov's approach to characterization.
The painting presents an unnamed male sitter rendered in oil on canvas in 1876. As a portrait, it focuses on the realistic depiction of the man's head and facial features, typical of Vasily Perov's approach to characterization. The work belongs to the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, underscoring its significance as a representative example of 19th‑century Russian portraiture that emphasizes individual presence and psychological immediacy.
The painting thus serves as a visual record of the sitter's status and the artistic interest in capturing personal identity during that period.
History & Provenance
The work titled Head of a Man was created in 1876 by Russian painter Vasily Perov as an oil on canvas portrait. According to the documented record, the painting measures 53 × 35.2 cm and depicts a human head in a conventional portrait format. It entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on view, and is catalogued under the artist’s full name Vasilii Grigorievich Perov.
The work’s provenance is limited to its acquisition by the museum, with no earlier ownership details recorded in the available sources. Its creation is dated to the year 1876, aligning with the artist’s known output during that period.
Overview
Vasily Grigorevich Perov completed Head of a Man in 1888, utilizing oil paint to create this portrait. The work exemplifies the Realist genre, focusing on an individual's likeness and character. This painting is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a late-career piece by the influential Russian artist.
Technique & Style
Perov employed oil paint with noticeable, thick brushstrokes, particularly evident in the textured rendering of the man's hair and beard. This technique, known as impasto, adds depth and tactile quality to the surface. A dark, indistinct background serves to highlight the sharply rendered face, drawing the viewer's attention directly to the subject's features and expression.
Context
Vasily Grigorevich Perov was a central figure in the Russian Realist movement of the 19th century. He was also a founding member of the Peredvizhniki, or "Wanderers," a group of artists who challenged academic conventions and sought to depict contemporary Russian life and social issues with honesty. This portrait reflects the movement's commitment to portraying everyday individuals with dignity.
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Artist & collection
Artist
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.
