Portrait of the Artist's Wife 1889

Fyodor Bronnikov’s 1889 painting “Portrait of the Artist’s Wife” is a classic example of realist portraiture. The artwork depicts the artist’s wife in a close-up, head-and-shoulders composition, and the subject’s serious expression and meticulously detailed clothing convey a sense of dignity and social status. The use of rich, deep colors in the clothing and dark background creates a sense of depth and formality. The subtle brushwork and lifelike depiction of the subject showcase Bronnikov’s mastery of realist technique, which was popular in Russia during the late 19th century.