Portrait of Sergey Vitte 1903

Ilya Repin captured Sergey Vitte in oil, laying down strokes of blacks, reds, and creams that define his form. Look at the way the gold trim of his formal jacket seems to bristle with life! I can imagine Repin working at speed, trying to keep up with the energy of his sitter as he daubs and smears the canvas to capture the essence of the man. It’s funny to think about Repin trying to get the likeness just right, all the while thinking about the history of portraiture, from Rembrandt to Manet and all those guys. I can picture him thinking about the differences between thick and thin paint, scumbling and glazing, and how each choice would change the overall mood and feeling. It is all about choices; so much art is choosing between different options. There is so much to look at and so many amazing artists to be inspired by. It is all one big conversation!