Portrait of József Rippl-Rónai - Konstantin Korovin

A 1912 Impressionist portrait of the Hungarian painter József Rippl-Rónai by Konstantin Korovin, featuring loose brushwork and a formal studio setting.

Konstantin Korovin painted this portrait of the Hungarian artist József Rippl-Rónai in 1912. Korovin is recognised as a pioneer of Impressionism in Russia. He moved away from the academic traditions of his time to embrace a style defined by light and movement. Rippl-Rónai was a contemporary of Korovin and a significant figure in the Nabis movement in France. This painting captures a moment of connection between two influential artists of the early twentieth century. The composition centres on the figure of Rippl-Rónai. He is depicted in formal evening attire, wearing a black tuxedo and a white shirt. A small red flower in his lapel provides a sharp point of colour against the dark fabric. He holds a cigarette in one hand, contributing to a relaxed and confident posture. Korovin uses broad, gestural brushstrokes to define the form. The artist avoids sharp outlines, instead using patches of paint to suggest the play of light across the fabric and skin. In the background, an easel supports a painting of flowers. This inclusion identifies the sitter as a fellow painter and adds a layer of visual interest to the studio setting. The surrounding space is rendered with loose strokes of ochre, grey, and brown. Korovin employs a balanced palette that emphasises the contrast between the dark suit and the bright white of the shirt. The light source appears to be positioned to the left, casting soft shadows and defining the contours of the face. This work is a factual record of the artistic community in Europe before the First World War. It demonstrates Korovin's ability to capture character through a spontaneous and modern technique.