Portrait MO Levenfeld Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

The artwork presents a bust-length portrait of a young woman in profile. The artist has rendered her with a loose, expressive style, utilizing broad strokes and visible pencil lines that contribute to a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The background is largely undefined, appearing as a wash of pale tones which allows the figure to dominate the composition.
Here we see the subject turned slightly away from the viewer, her gaze directed towards an unseen point beyond the frame. Her expression is complex; there’s a hint of melancholy or introspection in her eyes, yet also a subtle suggestion of defiance or quiet strength. The hair, dark and voluminous, is swept up into a bun at the nape of her neck, with loose strands framing her face.
The clothing contributes significantly to the overall impression. She wears what appears to be a simple white blouse accented by horizontal navy stripes around the collar and cuffs. A vibrant red sash cinches her waist, providing a striking contrast against the muted tones of the rest of the attire. The choice of this particular outfit – a blend of nautical elements and a touch of formality – suggests a deliberate construction of identity; perhaps an attempt to project a certain image or embody specific values.
The artist’s technique emphasizes texture and form rather than precise detail. Facial features are suggested rather than meticulously rendered, contributing to the portraits overall sense of psychological depth. The visible pencil marks add a layer of intimacy, as if we are witnessing a fleeting moment captured in the process of creation.
Subtly, there is an air of restrained elegance and perhaps even a touch of melancholy that pervades the work. It’s not merely a likeness; its a study of character, hinting at a narrative beyond what is immediately visible. The date 1913 inscribed in the lower corner places the artwork within a period of significant social and artistic change, which may inform interpretations regarding the subjects potential stance or attitude.