Description of the painting by Ivan Kramskoy “Portrait of Tretyakov”

Description of the painting by Ivan Kramskoy Portrait of Tretyakov

The painting, portrait of Vera Nikolaevna Tretyakova in full growth is made with oil in the manner of realism. This woman occupies a special place in the life of Kramskoy, as being an extraordinary man, a talented pianist, she was also the wife of a close friend of the artist.

The artist devoted a large amount of time to this family and highly respected Vera, her husband and children. The talent of Vera Nikolaevna eventually began to manifest itself also in her daughters, who had the opportunity to practice. Being a merciful and good-natured person, Vera Tretyakova supported her husband’s opinion that it was necessary to open schools for poor children, and existing ones should be strictly controlled and exercise their copyright patronage over them.

Vera Nikolaevna Tretyakova made a great contribution to the opening of the Kramsk Art Gallery, and since she herself was a person of creativity, she in every possible

way promoted young artists to develop their talent. Sincere friendship and long years of acquaintance tied the pianist Vera Tretyakov and the outstanding artist Kramskoy. The portrait of his wife the artist ordered Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov.

Thus, in September 1875, a large pictorial canvas was created – a full-length front portrait painted in the Tretyakovs’ summer residence. It should be noted that the writing of the portrait took the artist a few years, because full of creative plans, he traveled a lot at that time, while working on other paintings. Walking along the forest path, Vera Nikolaevna looks directly at the viewer, her image seems to be very benevolent and open, at the same time a strong temper and soul width are felt.

Certain difficulties, of course, caused Kramsky’s movements, his pauses in creating the picture, Vera Nikolayevna’s outfits changed, and the landscapes changed, but in the end we see an excellent realistic portrait that was highly appreciated by the artistic community.


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Description of the painting by Ivan Kramskoy “Portrait of Tretyakov”