Ivan Kramskoy

Ivan Kramskoy was a Russian artist and leader of the 19th-century Russian realist movement. He is best known for his detailed and expressive portraits that capture the inner character of his subjects. Kramskoy believed art should reflect truth and moral integrity, often portraying everyday people with honesty and empathy. His work helped elevate portraiture to a high level of artistic importance in Russia. Beyond painting, he was a social thinker and teacher, influencing Russian art and culture with his emphasis on sincerity and the human spirit.