Portrait of Minister of Ways of Communication and member of State Council, Prince Mikhail Ivanovich Khilkov. Study. 1903

This is a portrait study of Prince Mikhail Ivanovich Khilkov, Minister of Ways of Communication and member of the State Council, by Ilya Repin. Created in 1903, the painting features the subject seated and turned to the left, his face partly obscured by shadow. The prominent red ribbon and the ornate white trim of his garment draw attention to his official status. The painting's loose brushstrokes and subtle color palette, characteristic of Repin's style, capture a sense of realism and immediacy, making the subject feel almost tangible. This piece is a study for a larger, more formal portrait of Khilkov, showcasing Repin's ability to capture the essence of his subjects in a single, fleeting moment.