In the sun. Portrait of N.I. Repina, the artist’s daughter Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

The painting In the sun. Portrait of N.I. Repina, the artist’s daughter depicts a young woman dressed in an elegant white blouse and a light-colored skirt, seated outdoors with a large black umbrella. Her hat, a wide-brimmed white one, casts a shadow over part of her face, suggesting the bright sunlight the title refers to. She holds the umbrella with one hand, while the other delicately grips its handle, which is adorned with a dark ribbon. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer with a gentle, perhaps contemplative expression. The background is somewhat impressionistic, with visible brushstrokes creating a sense of dappled light and greenery, indicating an outdoor setting, likely a garden or park.
The subtext of the painting lies in its portrayal of domesticity and leisure within the context of the late 19th or early 20th century. The woman, as the artists daughter, is presented as a subject of personal affection and artistic study for her father. The attire, particularly the lacy blouse and the hat, speaks to a certain social status and an era where such fashion was prevalent for outdoor excursions. The umbrella, while functional for sun protection, also adds a touch of sophistication and hints at a leisurely, unhurried existence. The title itself, In the sun, emphasizes the natural, relaxed ambiance of the scene and perhaps the warmth of the sun, mirroring a sense of well-being and contentment. The portrait can be seen as an intimate glimpse into the artists personal life and his regard for his daughter, capturing a moment of quiet beauty and familial love.