Portrait of Sidor Shavrov 1892

Ilya Repin’s Portrait of Sidor Shavrov was painted with oils on canvas, using traditional fine art materials to capture the likeness of his subject. But consider how Repin applies the paint. Rather than aiming for smooth perfection, he leaves the marks of the brush visible, especially in the background and clothing. This wasn't just about speed; it was a conscious choice to show the process of making. Look at the texture he builds up, giving the surface a liveliness that a more polished approach would lack. You can almost feel the energy of the artist at work, quickly capturing the essence of Shavrov. This emphasis on the handmade, on the direct interaction between artist and material, challenges the traditional hierarchy that places painting above other kinds of making. It invites us to appreciate the skill and labor involved in creating the image, and to see it as a record of a specific moment in time, rather than a timeless ideal.