Portrait of the Son in Workshop (Small Antique Dealer) 1882

Konstantin Makovsky painted this portrait of his son in his workshop. Makovsky lived during a time of significant social change in Russia. As the son of a prominent figure in the art world he had a privileged upbringing which allowed him to explore his talent, eventually becoming one of Russia’s most celebrated painters. The painting shows a young boy amidst a collection of antiques. He is sitting with a sword in hand, dressed in a costume that evokes a sense of historical nostalgia. The setting feels like a stage, where identities are fluid and performance is key. Consider how class and gender are expressed through clothing and setting. The boy seems absorbed, perhaps even melancholy. This personal emotional space is set against the backdrop of historical grandeur, which invites us to reflect on childhood, identity, and the weight of cultural inheritance. In this work, Makovsky creates a space where personal identity meets the grand narratives of history and culture.