The Painting by Tropinin “Portrait of Pushkin”


It is believed that the picture of VA Tropinin “Portrait of Alexander Pushkin” – the most famous of his work in this genre. It depicts the genius of Russian literature in a brown home dressing gown, from beneath which a white shirt is visible. Complement the image of a black scarf from satin. Pushkin’s hair is slightly disheveled, but it looks very natural. Surely this is exactly what the author tried to achieve, creating his work: to paint a portrait of Pushkin harmonious, to show him the way he is in everyday life, at his desk.

In Pushkin’s works, independence was always felt. This is reflected in the portrait. He is shown not in a classic men’s suit, but in home clothes. The poet’s eyes are fixed on the distance. Who knows, maybe at this moment one of his masterpieces is born. In any case, he looks very concentrated, majestically, but not arrogantly. The hand of the poet lies on his manuscripts, as it should be a brilliant poet. His big and index finger is decorated with two rings.

Especially I want to note the color range of the portrait. The picture is made in very discreet colors and shades, nothing distracts the viewer from the main character. On the gray-brown background, the author showed the face of the poet. Only the shirt collar brings a sense of solemnity and shades his face with his snow-whiteness. The curly hair of the poet is shown in dark brown colors. The game of shades helps the artist to highlight the poet against the background of a similar color.

Nothing distracts from the image of Pushkin, because on the canvas we do not see any extra accessories or interior items: only a white manuscript on a stone brown table. Considering this picture, we probably do not think about the similarity with Pushkin, we admire how deeply the artist penetrated the soul, into the inner world of the poet and enjoy it.


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The Painting by Tropinin “Portrait of Pushkin”