Description of the picture:
Portrait of the philosopher Solovyov – Kramskoy. 1885. One hundred thirteen x ninety four cm. Oil on canvas
The name of the philosopher Vladimir Solovyov today is known only to specialists, meanwhile, this personality was bright and extraordinary. Poet, theologian, philosopher, critic, mystic and humanist. He vehemently opposed the application of such punishment as the death penalty against the murderers of Alexander II. Among other things, Solovyov was a close friend of Kramskoy.
As you know, the uniqueness of the portraits of the painter lies in the fact that by displaying his models, he not only achieved similarities, but also searched for the elusive internal component of each. This portrait is a vivid example of this.
Vladimir Solovyov is sitting on a heavy carved chair. His face is thoughtful and reflects great intelligence and a sharp mind. Everything in him betrays an aristocrat – deep eyes, a regular nose, thin brushes. This is a combination of a living mind and breed in the highest sense of the word.
The picture is dominated by dark colors – a dull background, an almost black suit, black long hair. In this background context, the face of the philosopher becomes a plot accent, which is why so much can be read in it.
Vladimir Solovyov outlived his friend Kramskoy by thirteen years, leaving many works and writings. Its influence on culture, literature and philosophical thought is very difficult to overestimate."