Ivan Makarov painted A Woman’s Portrait in the second half of the 19th century. It is oil painting on canvas. The master managed to achieve a coloristic harmony of the entire painting. He designed a color scheme using a combination of warm brownish-ochre and white tones. The artist carefully detailed the decoration of the dress. He skillfully conveyed the texture of the costume and the accessories - the shine of the pearl necklace, the silk surface of the fabrics and the transparency of the gauzy lace.
Unfortunately, the researchers have failed to identify the woman depicted in the picture. But we can say with safety that Ivan Makarov tried to authentically convey the heroine’s appearance and character. The woman’s quiet face expresses nobility and inner dignity. The artist created a ceremonial portrait in accordance with the rules of the academic school.
The specialists of the National Museum of the Chechen Republic note that the painting conveys the artist’s reverent admiration for the woman’s beauty and moral perfection. The master’s hard work, attention to nature and his striving to create objects of high art have made Makarov’s paintings eternal masterpieces.
Ivan Makarov attended classes of the Imperial Academy of Arts since 1844. At the end of the academic course he chose portrait painting as his specialty. He quickly became famous in St. Petersburg and beyond. The master’s portraits were usually distinguished for their pleasant color and refinement of painting, but were not precise in terms of drawing. Specialists noted that he was particularly good at depicting young ladies and children. In addition to portraits, Ivan Makarov created many icons and religious paintings.
Unfortunately, the documents with more detailed information about A Woman’s Portrait have not been preserved. They vanished during the hostilities of 1994-1996 and 1999-2000. Ivan Makarov’s canvas also suffered during the tragic events. The painting was extracted from under the rubble along with other exhibits of the Museum and evacuated to Moscow for restoration. The restored A Woman’s Portrait returned to Grozny in 2014, by the 90th anniversary of the National Museum.
Unfortunately, the researchers have failed to identify the woman depicted in the picture. But we can say with safety that Ivan Makarov tried to authentically convey the heroine’s appearance and character. The woman’s quiet face expresses nobility and inner dignity. The artist created a ceremonial portrait in accordance with the rules of the academic school.
The specialists of the National Museum of the Chechen Republic note that the painting conveys the artist’s reverent admiration for the woman’s beauty and moral perfection. The master’s hard work, attention to nature and his striving to create objects of high art have made Makarov’s paintings eternal masterpieces.
Ivan Makarov attended classes of the Imperial Academy of Arts since 1844. At the end of the academic course he chose portrait painting as his specialty. He quickly became famous in St. Petersburg and beyond. The master’s portraits were usually distinguished for their pleasant color and refinement of painting, but were not precise in terms of drawing. Specialists noted that he was particularly good at depicting young ladies and children. In addition to portraits, Ivan Makarov created many icons and religious paintings.
Unfortunately, the documents with more detailed information about A Woman’s Portrait have not been preserved. They vanished during the hostilities of 1994-1996 and 1999-2000. Ivan Makarov’s canvas also suffered during the tragic events. The painting was extracted from under the rubble along with other exhibits of the Museum and evacuated to Moscow for restoration. The restored A Woman’s Portrait returned to Grozny in 2014, by the 90th anniversary of the National Museum.
