Portrait of an old man 1901

Vladimir Makovsky painted this portrait of an old man, and I can tell you, it’s not just a record, but an encounter. Look at how Makovsky uses these earthy tones - browns, grays, and creams - to build up the form of the figure. You can see the brushstrokes, how they create texture, almost like you could reach out and feel the roughness of his weathered skin and the worn fabric of his clothes. The paint isn't trying to hide itself, it’s laid on kind of thick in places. The way he renders the hands is telling. Knotted and clasped around the walking stick, they suggest a life of labor and a reliance on simple support. There's this incredible sense of dignity, even in what some might call decline. I’m reminded of Ilya Repin, who was painting similar portraits of Russian peasantry around the same time, each seeking to elevate the everyday. In the end, we’re left with more questions than answers, which is kind of the point, isn’t it?