1880–1883
oil on canvas
175 x 280

Repin created a work which went far beyond the bounds of a genre scene. A huge crowd is moving right at the spectator. We see among them the diversity of human types belonging to different social classes and playing different social roles. The artist has given to each of them a subtle psychological portrait. Repin is developing here a broad panorama of Russia’s post-Reform society in all its contrasts and contradictions. He wrote: “I am applying all of my insignificant forces to try to give true incarnation to my ideas; life around me disturbs me a great deal and gives me no peace – it begs to be captured on canvas…”

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 29