Ilya Yefimovich Repin was born to a poor family on August 5, 1844 in Chuguyev Russia. He became a student at The Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg at the age of 24. There he studied for seven years under Bunakov until he won an academy scholarship which allowed him to visit France and Italy. After journeying overseas he came back to Russia devoted to the genre of history painting. Despite the 18th century experiencing a decline in painters apprenticing under masters, Repin was fortunate enough to be recruited by one of the modern day academies. In 1984 Repin became a professor at the academy in St. Petersburg, where he had once studied as a young man, teaching historical paintings. Repin was unique in the sense that he was able to achieve European fame using only Russian themes in his art. Furthermore, he is credited with having a big impact in bringing Russian art into mainstream European culture. 

Repin’s paintings were characterized by their combination of realism and socially critical narratives. They had grim, bold, and sharp qualities. His paintings of Russian people served as model examples for Socialist Realism.  Most of his work was based on dramatic conflicts, but he also used mythological images. Additionally, Repin commonly depicted portraits of his contemporaries and peasant life. In 1901 he was awarded the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit. 

What drew me to Repin’s work was the “soul” or “spirit” he is able to capture in his portraits. His figures have a piercing, alive rendering, in which Repin seems to be able to capture the “humanity” of a figure.

Sources:

“Ilya Yefimovich Repin | Biography, Art, & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Sept. 2021, www.britannica.com/biography/Ilya-Yefimovich-Repin.