This first comprehensive survey of Ilya Repin's work to be overseen by a Western art historian features a wealth of previously unseen paintings, eye-catching and dramatic works that bring to life Russian society in the last years of the tsars. Repin, who lived from 1844 to 1930, was the finest and most celebrated painter of his generation, and an important influence in shaping a distinctly Russian school within nineteenth-century Realism. His often-controversial works addressed subjects including the hard lives of the peasants, the fates of revolutionary activists, loaded episodes of Russian history and some of the nation's greatest cultural figures, many of whom he counted as personal friends, including Tolstoy, Musorgsky and Gorky. His vibrant, colorful and topical canvases offer a fascinating panorama of the issues that were swirling in the minds of his contemporaries, and an unusual view of all strata of life during this crucial period of historical change.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
The artist is wonderous, the reproductions atrocious.,
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This review is from: The Russian Vision: The Art of Ilya Repin (Hardcover)
I haven't got the book with me so I can't point to the page that truly defines this effort but the painting it obliterates is Ivan the terrible and his son. Here is what they do: First it is important to remember that this is Repin's best known painting, thus it gets a two page spread! On this two page spread there are two margins of about an inch, on each side of the painting. The key point, the focus for the entire painting is the face of Ivan and his son. This focal point is square in the middle of the binding, completely cut from view unless you want to tear the book out of its bindings (not a bad idea). Had they moved the painting off center by... say 3/4s of an inch either left or right they would have had the focal point in view. They could have also made it a one page picture and used close ups to see detail. Unfortunately, it doesn't actually matter because the reproduction is so dull that the blood, yes that is blood, is a rather bland greyish red. I understand that Repin was working from a limited palatte here and that the remainder of the painting is rather bland but not those reds. Now the written portion of this book is well done as far as I have read, so this isn't a complete loss but for good reproductions of Repin's work the wait continues.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A word from the author,
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This review is from: The Russian Vision: The Art of Ilya Repin (Hardcover)
As the author of this work I would like to thank all those who have made such complimentary remarks. In defence of my publisher I would like to point out that we relied solely for our reproductions on the images supplied by Russian museums and galleries, where quality control could be better. Many times we were faced with the dilemma either to go with the reproduction supplied, or show nothing, and given the range and scope of Repin's work we always felt it best to at least show something, rather than just write about it. Given that this is the only title on the market that is so extensively illustrated we hope it will serve its purpose of boosting Repin's appeal. Thanks again to everybody who has been so kind with their comments. It was indeed for me `a labour of love.'
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Worth waiting for,
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This review is from: The Russian Vision: The Art of Ilya Repin (Hardcover)
This work covers an area that is neglected by Art historians in most publications, if not all publications, in the United States. The leading Art Historians may mention icon painting in Russia and St. Basil but that is the extent of their coverage.
The period of the Wanderers is probably as interesting and revolutionary as is the artistic movement in France with the advent of Impressionism. Ilya Repin was a leading artist in this movement. In simple terms the movement involved social realism. Prior to this movement the Russian Artist had no oppotunity to explore those things that were Russian. The artist now found that there were Russian subjects that demanded their attention. The Western European themes were discarded and Russian genre painting was the aim. The artist now saw beauty in the life of the peasant and in the history of Russia. The author has not just touched on this subject but has in exploring the life of Ilya Repin covered the subject with clarity and verve. It must have been a labor of love. The author has an in depth review of Ilya Repin's life and an extensive collection of the artists work. He paints word pictures that add to the enjoyment of Ilya Repin's masterpieces. The quotes and biographic statements show an in depth study of the life and times of Ilya Repin. One star is lacking because, even though I do crossword puzzles, there were times when I had to go to the dictionary. It is too bad that authors of Art Books try to impress the reader, when in fact they do just the opposite. For any art lover and especially for lovers of realism this book is a must. If the reader is looking for a history of the evolution of Russian painting he or she will not be disappointed in this volume. I am not a critic nor am I an artist, and I certianly do not "want-to-be". I am a person who does enjoy art books and I found this book to be informative, enjoyable and interesting. It is a must on that art lovers shelf. Ilya Repin's experiences with art in the United States which is covered in the latter part of the book will give the reader an idea of why the United States has not seen many works by Russians. If this was a critical review the book would get a big thumbs up. I hope to find a book on Ge that is as well done.
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