Ilya Repin

Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

Repin was born into a poor family of peasants, but his mother noticed the talent in the young boy. He learned the basics of painting from a local icon painter and then earned just enough money to travel to St Petersburg. Upon graduating from the Academy of Arts, his work was already receiving lots of praise. He then completed his first major work, Raising of Jairus’ Daughter. Repin completed a number of works during his lifetime, including many portraits of his contemporaries. He also received an order from the government to complete one of his largest paintings, Ceremonial Meeting of the State Council on May 7, 1901, which consisted of over 80 portraits. It was his last major work.