Ilya Repin

There is no doubt that the largest Russian painter of the second half of the XIX century - the time of the flourishing of Russian realistic art was Ilya Efimovich Repin (1844-1930) His example, perhaps, is the most successful argument in the eternal controversy on the ratio between genius and greater giving. Comparison of its works with similar on topics of creations of the largest masters of Russian realism (comparison with ingenious domestic academicians is hardly appropriate) shows that key pictures I.E. Repin on an invisible step is raised above the creatures of his talented fellow arts. Perhaps this is something incomprehensible is the individuality of each member of the Vatagi"s household painting "Burlaki on the Volga" (1870-1873), or the special tension of the common scene of the canvases did not expect "(1884-1888), or the incomparable life of the characters" Zaporozhtsev" (1880 -1891), or increased psychology of his portraits.
Having received the first lessons of painting in his native Chuguev and having worked for some time in the icon-painted artist, Ilya Repin arrives in 1864 to the Academy of Arts, which ended in 1871 with a gold medal natural for his gift. Subsequent life I.E. Repin is the most active creative work of the painter, the travel of a professional with an inquisitive attitude towards the skill of the great predecessors and to the latest artistic hobbies. It awakens the talent of the publicist. His judgments are quite bright and sincere, so as not to change over time. His regular satellites for creativity are the great realists of Velasquez and Rembrandt, for him the beauty of Oicueonucu all in truth.
Its works at numerous exhibitions in Europe and America I.E. Repin opened the unique art of Russian realism to foreigners. Last years of life, a great painter lived in Finland on the border with his homeland