Portrait of Pavel Tretyakov 1876

Ivan Kramskoy's 1876 "Portrait of Pavel Tretyakov" is a striking realist depiction of the prominent Russian art collector and philanthropist. The painting, now housed in the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, captures Tretyakov with a contemplative gaze, his features illuminated against a dark background. This style, characteristic of Kramskoy's work, emphasizes the sitter's inner world and intellect. The composition's simplicity and directness, combined with the subtle interplay of light and shadow, makes for a powerful and memorable portrait.