ILYA REPIN (1844-1930) Portrait of Vera, 1867-1868 signed in Cyrillic and dated 'I Repin 1868' (lower right), dated '1867 g 25 mart' (along left edge) pencil on paper 32.2 x 26.5 cm (view) Among his contemporaries, Ilya Repin was celebrated as one of the greatest portrait painters of his time. Unlike any other Russian artist working in this genre, Repin was able to infuse his portraits not only with his exceptional artistic skills, but also with extraordinary insight and sensuality, meticulous observation and emotional intensity, psychological depth and temperament. One of the most personal and cherished subjects of Repin's work has always been his wife, Vera Alekseyevna Shevtsova. Repin met the family of the architect Aleksey Shevtsov (c. 1815-after 1869) in the early 1860s. In 1872, he proposed to Shevtsov's youngest daughter, Vera Alekseyevna (1854-1918), and they married the same year. From then on, Vera became a significant and constant presence in Repin's life and frequently served as a model for his art. Vera was not just a subject, she was his muse, confidante and emotional anchor, sustaining him through the most productive years of his career. Although Repin moved in elite cultural circles across Europe, his work remained deeply rooted in his personal relationships, and Vera's portraits are among the most sincere and revealing of his work. However, before the official proposal, Vera often served as a model for Repin's drawings. The present portrait dates from 1867, when Vera was mainly posing for Repin as a model. It is distinguished by its intimacy and sensitivity, capturing not only Vera's outward likeness but also her character. Repin's skilful use of light, delicate pencil strokes conveys Vera's gentle grace, while his subtle attention to expression and posture reveals the artist's interest in the sitter. In this drawing, Vera is shown sitting in a chair, perhaps reading. This peaceful domestic scene reflects Repin's deep respect and affection. With light, meticulous strokes and sensitivity to detail, he emphasises the young woman's pensive expression and delicate features. Vera appears here with natural dignity and calm - an image shaped as much by quiet familiarity as by artistic devotion. At the buyer's request, we are happy to provide a general condition report for the lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to carry out their own inspection or to consult a specialist or conservator of their choice for a full professional assessment. Descriptions of the condition of objects in the catalogue or in any correspondence are given for guidance only and should not be regarded as a substitute for a first-hand valuation. ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD 'AS IS' IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE