Portrait of Mara Konstantinovna Oliv discloses the particular qualities of Repin’s work of the early 20th century to the best possible extent. In the process of painting any portrait, the artist was fascinated by the model and felt amorousness towards her. This feeling and the artistic temper of the master allowed him to grasp the essence of the modelling person, to convey all the specifics of his/her individuality. In this portrait, the character was Mara Konstantinovna Oliv, an extraordinary woman with strong artistic personality. In her first marriage, her husband was Yuri Anatolyevich, the nephew of Savva Mamontov. Mara often visited Savva’s ‘hobby club’ in Abramtsevo, which became the heart of the artistic life of Russia in those times. The creative atmosphere of Mamontov’s family attracted talented people. This “club” united artists Mikhail Vrubel an Valentin Serov, Konstantin Korovin and Isaac Levitan, Polenov’s family, Konstantin Stanislavsky (the theatre director) an Fyodor Chaliapin (the opera singer). Ilya Repin was also a frequent guest here.
Mara Oliv was in the focus of attention due to her brilliant appearance, sparkling humour, and her very open manner. In 1895, Valentin Serov painted her portrait, which is currently held in the State Russian Museum. In 1906, Mara Oliv sat for Repin in his estate Penaty. At that time, she was married to Fyodor Sverbeyev, Russian marine specialist and public activist.
The oriental outfit of the model is painted with free broad strokes; its juicy colours are pleasant for the eye. The correctly selected composition emphasizes her loose style and her agility. The woman’s face is remarkably outlined: crafty eyes with a hint of shrewdness, saucy smile. Repin was 62, when he created the portrait. His friend Korney Chukovsky, the writer, wrote:
Mara Oliv was in the focus of attention due to her brilliant appearance, sparkling humour, and her very open manner. In 1895, Valentin Serov painted her portrait, which is currently held in the State Russian Museum. In 1906, Mara Oliv sat for Repin in his estate Penaty. At that time, she was married to Fyodor Sverbeyev, Russian marine specialist and public activist.
The oriental outfit of the model is painted with free broad strokes; its juicy colours are pleasant for the eye. The correctly selected composition emphasizes her loose style and her agility. The woman’s face is remarkably outlined: crafty eyes with a hint of shrewdness, saucy smile. Repin was 62, when he created the portrait. His friend Korney Chukovsky, the writer, wrote:
