Fine Art

Portrait of Alexei Suvorin — History & Facts

Portrait of Alexei Suvorin was painted by Ivan Kramskoi in 1881 using oil on canvas. The work measures 109 by 88 centimeters and depicts the Russian publisher and journalist Aleksey Suvorin. It belongs to the genre of portraiture and is held by the Russian Museum, inventory number Ж-2994. The painting presents Suvorin standing against a neutral, dark background, his right hand in his pocket and his left resting on a stack of books.

He is shown with a long beard, glasses, and a dark suit, with a gold watch chain visible against the subdued tones of his clothing. The lighting is focused on Suvorin’s face and upper body, highlighting his thoughtful expression and the texture of his hair and beard, while the rest of the composition remains in shadow. The brushwork is precise, particularly in the rendering of facial features and hands, contributing to a sense of psychological depth. The portrait was completed during a period when Ivan Kramskoi was recognized for his contributions to Russian realist portraiture, often depicting prominent figures of his time.

The work has been part of the collection of the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg, where it remains today. There is no documented evidence of multiple versions or significant changes in ownership since its creation.

Sources: Wikidata Q57539471 · Image source (Wikimedia Commons)

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