Portrait of Chaliapin 1911

Konstantin Alexeevich Korovin made this painting of Chaliapin with oil on canvas. The brushstrokes here are so free and easy, they almost feel casual. It’s like Korovin wasn't trying to capture every detail perfectly, but instead, wanted to give us the feeling of a fleeting moment. The colors are soft and warm, mostly creams and browns, which adds to the relaxed, summery vibe. Take a look at the way Korovin painted the white suit. The paint is thick and juicy, almost sculptural in places, especially around the folds and creases. You can practically see the energy of his brushstrokes. Then, notice how the sunlight catches the edges, creating these beautiful, broken highlights that make the whole figure seem to glow. That one spot on the jacket, where the white is almost blinding, it’s like a little explosion of light, and it brings the whole painting to life. This piece reminds me a lot of John Singer Sargent’s portraits. Both artists had this incredible ability to capture the essence of their subjects with such loose, confident brushwork. And like Sargent, Korovin wasn’t afraid to leave things a little bit messy or unresolved. It’s a reminder that art is not about perfection, but about capturing a feeling or a moment in time.