Ilya Repin (August 5, 1844 – September 29, 1930)

                                                                                                            

A Shy Peasant

1877

There is a very special quality in the paintings of Repin. It's difficult for me to define that quality, and I want to say rather simply that it's magically beautiful, but that's not a cogent analysis. Still, Repin has survived with an intact reputation since his first entry into wide-acclaim. Perhaps that part of his work that most speaks out is a very goodly reflection of Russian spirituality (something reflected brilliantly in the words of writers such as Dostoevsky and Chekhov). 

Leo Tolstoy in the Forest

1891

Hunchback

1880

Sadko

1876

Fisher-Girl

1874