Description

Title: Oil painting Portrait of a pensive priest Oleksandr Gukalov

Description: NoAAA5556

The Oil painting on Hardboard titled "Portrait of a pensive priest" presents a solemn and deeply introspective portrait of a religious elder, whose gaze seems to penetrate far beyond the canvas, carrying with it centuries of wisdom, memory, and faith. The composition is steeped in dignity and reverence, capturing the essence of a figure who embodies the weight of spiritual and human experience. Set against a dark, muted background that accentuates the subject's presence, the painting is executed with precision and care, highlighting not only the physical features of the elder but also the intangible aura of authority and devotion surrounding him. The central figure is portrayed in traditional clerical attire, clothed in a dark robe that envelops his form, creating a strong contrast with his long, flowing white beard and pale complexion. The folds of his garment are meticulously painted, emphasizing texture and depth, while the stark blackness of the fabric conveys both austerity and timelessness. Resting against his chest is a medallion on a gold chain, a sacred emblem that gleams subtly, suggesting both spiritual authority and personal devotion. Its circular form breaks the dominance of straight and angular lines in the composition, providing balance and directing the viewer's eye back to the figure's face. The face itself is the heart of the painting, rendered with exquisite detail. The elder's skin bears the marks of age, not in excess but in moderation, with subtle shadows and lines that tell of years lived in contemplation and service. His eyes, however, are the most commanding feature. Painted with extraordinary depth, they seem to contain both sternness and compassion, as if they have witnessed countless joys and sorrows, triumphs and defeats. The title "Eyes remember everything" is vividly expressed here-the eyes do not simply look outward but seem to hold within them an archive of human experience, faith, and memory. They invite the viewer into a dialogue, silently conveying the idea that memory is not confined to the mind alone but lives within the gaze, carried forward across generations.

*** ABOUT THIS PAINTING ***
* TITLE: "Portrait of a pensive priest"
* ARTISTS: Oleksandr Gukalov
* SIZE: 29x42 cm/11.41x16.53 inches'
* MEDIUM: oil, hardboard
* HAND PAINTED: Original painting from our collection
* CONDITION: we tried to convey the maximum information with the help of photos about this product

About the artists: Alexander Gukalov
After graduating from Lviv Polytechnic, he was engaged in scientific work. In his free time, he studied the works of Plato, the poetry of the ancient East, and religious works. At this time, resistance to the routine of life and utilitarian science arose in him; he became interested in man and his secrets. Alexander decided to end his engineering career and become a humanitarian. Since 1990, he began to write and publish philosophical poems. Later he decided to devote himself to painting, a passion for which began during his years of study at the Lviv Polytechnic with caricatures and caricatures of classmates and teachers.

Since 2017 he has been painting with oil paints. Alexander does not have a formal art education, but he is convinced that the craft and talent of an artist do not directly depend on professional education. The artist's works are characterized by completeness of composition and depth of meaning. He is not afraid to work with different themes, his paintings are true modern art that touches people. The artist's portfolio includes landscapes and views of his favorite cities, portraits of pop stars, politicians, athletes, relatives, and animals. "I draw a toga when I feel the need for it. Therefore, I cannot say that I work in some narrow direction. Rather, it is a call from the soul," the artist says about himself.

Exhibitions

2011 - Personal exhibition, Lutsk

2011 - Exhibition "World of Jazz", Lutsk

2011 - Exhibition Arts.in.ua, Kiev

2012 - Personal exhibition in the art cafe "Apartment 35", Lviv

2012 - Personal exhibition "On the Waves of Dreams", Lutsk

2012 - International exhibition "Plain Air", West Park Art Gallery, New York

2012 - International competition "Peace, Time and People", special medal of achievements St. Michael, New York

2012 - Exhibition of artists who were included in the K-Gallery catalogue, Kyiv

2012 - International exhibition-competition of contemporary art "Ukrainian Art Week", Kyiv

2013 - opening of a permanent exhibition and sale, Lutsk

2013 - Exhibition "Spring Impressions" of the international art project "Vicious Circle of Impressions", Kiev

2015 - Personal exhibition, Lutsk

2015 - Ukrainian-Italian exhibition "Single Space", Kyiv

2015 - International art project "New York - Tokyo", Tokyo

2016 - International art project "Color in Motion", New York Realism Gallery, first place and Gold medal in the category "Impressionism", New York

2021 - International exhibition "Art Nest Paris", Paris

Additional Information: Framing option available at extra cost. Feel free to inquire.

Reserve: $667.00

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $58.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT.

Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Location: This item ships from USA.

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.

Buyer's Premium

20%