Ilya Pepin was a famous Russian painter responsible for introducing Russian art to European culture. He was born into a poor family in Kharkov, Russia, and was a self-made man, having learned his trade diligently which earned him an scholarship to visit France and Italy.This trip made a lasting “impression” on him as it influenced an impressionist style of light and colour however his works remained more true to their subjects in a realistic way and was similar to those of Rembrandt. Thereafter he gained a preference for historical, religious subjects in his work and also became known for his works representing the present day social order. They could, however, also be a commentary on dominance of the church. Consequently, the themes of his of some of work were often grim and serious but of simpler times and it was an interesting sight to see historical moments portrayed realistically, whereas if they were depicted when they happened the style would be starkly different. In later years however, he paid homage to his humble beginnings and began to paint the country folk and poorer Russian/Ukrainian class. This was of course, very representative of the Realism movement that depicted people of all classes in ordinary life over exaggerated and exotic tone of Romanticism. I was pleasantly surprised by how this artist painted his subjects in what I assume is a faithful way and yet with so much emotional depth and drama which is seen in the expressions, interesting compositions and atmosphere. This is especially so in his unique work “Sadko” which stands out from the rest by being based on a Slavic Tale instead of history and shows what the author can do when reliant on mostly his imagination.
Self-portrait (c. 1887)
Religious Procession in Kursk Governorate (also known as Easter Procession in the District of Kursk or A Religious Procession in Kursk Gubernia’ (c. 1880-03)
Demonstration on October 17, 1905
(1906–1911)
What Freedom! (1903)
Sadko (1876)
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ilya-Yefimovich-Repin
https://www.ilyarepin.org/biography.html
Geraldine,
Interesting choice of artists here. Really not familiar with Pepin’s work at all. Anyhow it’s good work all the same.
Basically I’m confused with the order in which you are posting your blogs. You have jumped around quite a bit. I still don’t have a post for Baroque and Neoclassicism, Romanticism & Rococo. The LeBrun post I’ve put in Women in Art which is the final blog post. You’ll need to go back and cover those two movements off then you will be caught up.
Jeff
Hi Jeff, my intention for the blog posts are as follows!
Late Gothic/[Early Renaissance]:
Giorgione
[High renaissance]/Mannerism:
Sarto
Baroque:
Bernini
Neo,[Romanticism],Rococo:
Blake
[Realism], Pre-Impressionism, Pre-Raph:
Ilya Repin
Women in art:
Elisabeth
[Impressionism],Post:
Seurat
I was confused because when I looked up William Blake again he is listed under Romanticism movement?