What is the thematic context of Self-portrait?

academic painting, iconic tradition", renaissance portraiture, soviet era art", royal family portrait, russian realism, "formal

Get a copy of Self-portrait - dmitry d. zhilinsky

Artwork Description

Dmitry Zhilinsky was one of the most important Soviet artists of the 1960s. He studied under some of the era’s greats: Pavel Korin, Semyon Chuikov, Alexei Gritsai, Vladimir Favorsky, and Ivan Efimov. He painted numerous different narrative, landscape and still life paintings, but also worked a great deal in the portrait genre. His subjects included the musician Salivator’s Richter, the artists Vladimir Favorsky, Ivan Efimov, and Nikolai Chernyshev, well-known writers and composers, and members of his own family. In the 1990s Zhilinsky created a series of formal portraits of members of the Danish royal family. Many of his works, including “Self Portrait” (1993), are held in the Institute of Russian Realist Art collection.

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

The Crucible of Memory and Loss

Born amidst the lush landscapes of Sochi in 1927, Dmitry Zhilinsky’s early life was a tapestry woven with both profound cultural richness and devastating personal tragedy. The son of a family deeply embedded in the Russian intelligentsia, his world was shaped by the intellectual rigor of educators and the heavy shadow of Stalinist repression. In 1937, the arrest and execution of his father left an indelible scar upon his psyche, creating a melancholic resonance that would later infuse his canvases with a haunting, soulful depth. Growing up in an environment where art, literature, and science were inextricably intertwined, Zhilinsky inherited a legacy of excellence, being the grandson of Nadezhda Nemchinova, the sister of the legendary painter Valentin Serov. This lineage provided not just a connection to greatness, but a profound responsibility to the continuity of Russian artistic tradition.

A Synthesis of Sacred and Secular Traditions

Zhilinsky’s artistic evolution was marked by an extraordinary ability to bridge disparate eras, creating a visual language that felt simultaneously ancient and modern. His training at the prestigious Moscow State Art Institute under masters such as Pavel Korin and Semyon Chuikov allowed him to master the technical precision of Soviet Realism while seeking something much more transcendent. He became a master alchemist, blending the austere, spiritual gravity of traditional Russian icon painting with the fluid, humanistic dynamism of the Renaissance. His work often featured:

The structural elegance and anatomical grace of Renaissance composition.
The symbolic depth and expressive, flattened planes characteristic of Orthodox iconography.
A meticulous observation of light and form that grounded his more abstract tendencies.

This unique stylistic synthesis allowed him to navigate the complexities of the Soviet era, finding a way to innovate without severing ties to the venerable past. His brushwork captured the tension between the tangible world and the spiritual realm, making his narratives feel both historically grounded and eternally relevant.

The Portraitist’s Vision and Lasting Legacy

While his repertoire spanned landscapes and still lifes, Zhilinsky achieved international renown through his masterful portraiture. He possessed a rare ability to capture the psychological essence of his subjects, ranging from fellow artists like Vladimir Favorsky to members of the Danish Royal Family, including Queen Margrethe II. These portraits, characterized by their formal dignity and subtle emotional complexity, are celebrated for their ability to transcend mere likeness. His work has found permanent homes in prestigious institutions, most notably the Tretyakov Gallery, ensuring that his contribution to the evolution of 20th-century art remains a vital part of the Russian canon. Through his life and work, Dmitry Zhilinsky remains a monumental figure who successfully navigated the turbulent currents of history to preserve and reimagine the sacred flame of artistic tradition.

dmitry d. zhilinsky

1927 - 2015 , Russia

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Social realist; Icon painting & Renaissance
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Renaissance Painting']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Valentin Serov
- Alexander Ivanov
Date Of Birth: 1927
Date Of Death: 2015
Full Name: Dmitry D. Zhilinsky
Nationality: Russian
Notable Artworks:
- Self-Portrait
- Family at the Seaside
Place Of Birth: Sochi, Russia

The Enduring Legacy of Oil on Canvas: Technique, History & Aesthetic Impact

dmitry d. zhilinsky: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Popular

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

Framed

Reproduction Size

Artwork Customization

Artist Skill Level

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Protective Varnish

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 258

Summary

Reproduction Medium

-

Elite Senior Artist

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Customize My Artwork

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price

$ 258

Artwork Description