At the time Repin was commissioned to paint Stolypin’s portrait, the politician headed the Russian Council of Ministers. Many criticized the reforms that he conducted while in that position. Repin and his circle also commented negatively on his activities. So, when Repin was asked to paint his portrait, the painter tried to refuse several times. He set for the Saratov City Duma the conditions that were hard to implement — a high pay for his work, multiple posing sessions, a special frame. The master recommended other painters but the Duma insisted and fulfilled all of Repin’s wishes. He had to agree.

Ilya Repin portrayed Petr Stolypin in his office. The politician is sitting comfortably in a chair against the background of a red drape. He is holding a newspaper in his hands. This attaches a feeling of casualty to the image, as though he did not specially pose for the painter. It was important for Repin to accurately convey his personal nature in the portrait, therefore he placed the main accent on the facial expression of his model. Stolypin’s concentrated and serious look is the evidence of a difficult time for the Prime Minister. By that time he lived through several assassination attempts and felt that his life was in danger. The overall color scheme of the painting – dark red and black – strengthen the tension.