Analysis of the Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to the Sultan of Turkey to Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottman Empire

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Analysis of The Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to the Sultan of Turkey to Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottoman Empire

Il’ya Yefimovich Repin is considered one of the greatest Russian painters and is known for painting realistic scenes that depict the climate and times in which he was raised. Born in 1844 in Chuguyev, Russia, now a part of Ukraine, Il'ya Repin was born into the military settlers class. Both his social standing and his homeland would become important influences in his later paintings. The Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to the Sultan of Turkey to Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottoman Empire, one of Repin's more famous works, is a great example of the way Repin's works blended themes and scenery of his homeland together with his brand of Social Realist art. I will analyze Repin's representation of the Zaporozhian Cossacks through the lens of Repin's background—particularly his upbringing in Ukraine, his lower social class standing, and the turbulent time of Russian history in which he lived. By viewing the painting this way, the scene of the Zaporozhian Cossacks becomes not simply an illustration of a historical event, but a representational painting that conveys the nationalism, autonomy, freedom and strength that Repin associated with the Cossacks.
The influence of Repin’s upbringing features is notable in almost all of his works; therefore, in order to achieve a greater understanding of his paintings, it is essential to know Repin’s background. Firstly, Repin’s life spanned a vast and turbulent time among Russian History. Born in 1844 and living until 1930, Repin witnessed key events such as World War I, the Assassination of Alexander II and the emancipation of the serfs. The latter event played a key role in R...

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...ight of their former glory) and their pride in their group (though it might not be nationalism since they are a group of people)
• Related to Repin’s Life o He was from Ukraine o Refusal to be ashamed of his background when he was referred to as being low born and a commoner at exhibits and parties. o Depiction of people from Ukraine
• Conclusion o Repin drew on his experiences & background and used it in his paintings o The Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to the Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottoman Empire shows themes from Repin’s own life experiences and is shown through aspects of design in color, brightness, and presentation as well as the specific details of each Cossack. Each Cossack’s has a unique style of dress, position of their body, and smile. o Repin is a great artist because of the way he realistically depicts scenes that hold significant meaning to him.

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