Portrait of the honorary member of the Academy of Sciences and Academy of Arts P.P.Semenov-Tian-Shanskiy 

Ilya Repin painted this portrait of P.P. Semenov-Tian-Shanskiy in 1901. Note the sitter's profile, which is adorned with a long, white beard: a symbol of wisdom and experience harking back to ancient philosophers and biblical patriarchs. Consider the ancient Greek philosophers with their flowing beards, emblems of deep thought and scholarly pursuit. Similarly, the long beard has symbolized age and honor across various cultures. Repin masterfully uses this archetype to convey Semenov-Tian-Shanskiy's profound contributions to science and art. This symbol, however, is not static; it evolves. From religious icons to secular portraits, the beard’s significance shifts, yet retains its core association with authority and knowledge. It is a continuous thread weaving through the tapestry of human expression, subconsciously influencing our perception of the sitter. In viewing this portrait, we are not merely seeing an individual, but engaging with a powerful, enduring symbol that resonates deeply within our cultural memory.