Artwork

Arrest of a Propagandist

Arrest of a Propagandist, by Ilya Repin, oil, 1890
Arrest of a Propagandist, by Ilya Repin, oil, 1890

Arrest of a Propagandist is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ilya Repin. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Arrest of a Propagandist is a 1890 oil painting by Ilya Repin, a key figure in 19th-century Russian Realism. The work captures a moment of forcible detention, reflecting Repin's penchant for exploring contemporary social and political issues through genre scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a tense scene of a propagandist's arrest, with a mix of military and civilian figures in a wooden-floored, walled room. A seated figure reads a paper while being observed by others, conveying the artist's commentary on the societal and political climate of his time.

Technique & Style

Repin utilized direct observation and chiaroscuro in the painting, achieving a realistic depiction with pronounced depth and volume. The oil paint medium supports the detailed, naturalistic rendering characteristic of Realist art.

History & Provenance

Created in 1890, *Arrest of a Propagandist* is part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection, alongside other notable works by Repin such as *Barge Haulers on the Volga*.

Context

This work aligns with Repin's broader thematic focus on portraying the lives and struggles of ordinary people, as well as his engagement with the political realities of late 19th-century Russia.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *Arrest of a Propagandist* are not highlighted, the painting contributes to Repin's overall legacy as a leading Realist painter who effectively used art to address social and political concerns of his era.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ilya Repin

Artist

Ilya Repin

Ilya Yefimovich Repin (5 August 1844 – 29 September 1930) was a Ukrainian-born Russian painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.