Portrait of Ilya Repin

myminifactory

Ilya Yefimovich Repin, born on August 5, 1844, was a renowned Russian realist painter who dominated the art world of the 19th century with his incredible talent. He stood alongside Leo Tolstoy as one of Russia's most celebrated artists, and his contributions to European culture were immense. His iconic works, such as Barge Haulers on the Volga (1873), Religious Procession in Kursk Province (1883), and Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks (1880-91), are still widely admired today. Repin was born into a military family in Chuguyev, Ukraine, and began his artistic journey by studying under Ivan Bunakov, a local icon painter. He started painting around 1860 and soon became acquainted with fellow artist Ivan Kramskoi and critic Vladimir Stasov. In 1872, he married Vera Shevtsova, and the couple remained together for ten years. In 1874-76, Repin showcased his work at the Salon in Paris and the Itinerants' Society exhibitions in Saint Petersburg. His outstanding talent earned him the title of academician in 1876. Two decades later, he traveled to Zaporozhia, Ukraine, to gather material for Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks, which would become one of his most famous works. Repin's artistic prowess continued to grow throughout his career. His Religious Procession in Kursk Province was exhibited in 1883, and Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan in 1885. In 1892, he published a collection of essays called Letters on Art. He taught at the Higher Art School attached to the Academy of Arts from 1894 and purchased an estate, Penates, in Kuokkala, Finland (now Repino, Saint Petersburg), in 1898. Repin's accomplishments were recognized with numerous awards, including the Legion of Honour in 1901. He traveled extensively, showcasing his work at the World Exhibition in Italy in 1911. Two years later, he worked on his book of reminiscences, Far and Near, with the assistance of Korney Chukovsky. In 1917, Repin welcomed the Russian Revolution, and celebrations were held in 1924 to mark his 80th birthday. An exhibition of his works was held in Moscow, followed by a jubilee exhibition at the Russian Museum in Leningrad in 1925. Ilya Yefimovich Repin passed away on September 29, 1930, and was buried at Penates, surrounded by his beloved art.