The collection of the Sevastopol Art Museum named after Mikhail Pavlovich Kroshitsky features a painting by the renowned Russian artist Vasily Andreevich Tropinin.
Children’s images hold a special place in Vasily Tropinin’s work. His son, Arseny, posed for the artist frequently, which can probably explain the fact that familiar features of his beloved son can be recognized in other characters of Tropinin’s works. Obviously, this work from the Sevastopol collection was not a commissioned portrait. There is no formalism or pomp in it; instead, simplicity and sincerity, combined with sentimental touches. Quite often, Tropinin painted children’s portraits as part of genre scenes. In this one, there is an adolescent holding an open book. The boy is not posing; he is looking slightly to the side. He is dressed neatly, though somewhat carelessly. Still, all the minute details are carefully painted. The boy’s face is illuminated by a soft light, his hair is slightly tousled, and his shirt collar is undone. His gaze is thoughtful and serious, and dark, expressive eyes look into the distance as if he has been distracted from his activity for a moment. The colors are not quite vibrant, but thanks to the use of glazes, the painting creates a harmonious effect. The portrait is painted in warm, exquisite brownish-golden hues.
Vasily Tropinin was born in the village of
Karpovka, Novgorod Governorate, in 1780. As a serf of Count Irakli Morkov, he
was a non-matriculated student at the Academy of Arts from 1798 to 1804,
studying under Stepan Semyonovich Shchukin, the most prominent portraitist of
the time. In 1823, a significant year for his career, Vasily Tropinin received
his freedom and was awarded the title of Academician. In 1843, he became an
honorary member of the Moscow Art Society. The artistic career of Tropinin, as
if following the laws of the Romantic era, was an incredible story of a
talented artist who overcame difficult life circumstances. Through hard work
and a unique natural gift, he rose to prominence among Russian artists and
became the greatest portraitist of his generation. To this day, his work
inspires and delights art lovers around the world.
