Ivan Kramskoi, Portrait of an Unknown Woman (1883) Painting Poster
Please note, we also sell a framed version of this poster here on RUS & SOV.
About the Painting
Portrait of an Unknown Woman (Russian: Неизвестная) is an 1883 painting by Russian master, Ivan Kramskoi (Russian: Иван Крамской).
The painting depicts a young woman driving in an open carriage along Nevsky Prospekt near the pavilions of the Anichkov Palace in the heart of St. Petersburg. On the right, behind her, the Alexandrinsky Theater is visible. The woman is dressed in the latest fashion of the 1880s. She wears a velvet hat with feathers, a coat decorated with fur and ribbons, a muff, and thin leather gloves. Her look is regal, mysterious, and a little melancholic.
When Kramskoi showed this work for the first time in public, viewers were both delighted and fascinated by the portrait. When pestered with the question of if his stranger really existed, Kramskoi nodded - pointing to the canvas.
The best way to put this mysterious, beguiling woman into words is with the aid of Alexander Blok's 1906 poem, The Stranger (Russian: Незнакомка).
And every evening – no exception
(Or am I only lost in dreams?) –
A girlish figure’s silk reflection
In misty window dimly gleams.
And slowly through the drinkers trending,
Companionless and quite alone,
Her scented breath in mist condensing,
She takes her seat at window throne.
И каждый вечер, в час назначенный
(Иль это только снится мне?),
Девичий стан, шелками схваченный,
В туманном движется окне.
И медленно, пройдя меж пьяными,
Всегда без спутников, одна,
Дыша духами и туманами,
Она садится у окна...
Original Painting
Poster Quality
Museum-quality posters made on thick and durable matte paper. Add a wonderful accent to your room and office with these posters that are sure to brighten any environment.
Please note, all poster sizes are in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%
