Artwork
In the sun

In the sun is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ilya Repin. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1900 by Ilya Repin, a Ukrainian‑born painter associated with Russian Realism, *In the Sun* is an oil on canvas now in the Tretyakov Gallery’s collection. The work presents a solitary woman seated outdoors, her pose and attire rendered with the detailed observation characteristic of Repin’s mature period.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, a woman in a white blouse, dark skirt and hat, holds an umbrella while her left hand is lifted in a relaxed gesture. Her calm gaze toward the viewer and the tranquil garden setting convey a quiet moment of leisure, emphasizing the everyday dignity of ordinary life.
Technique & Style
Repin employs a nuanced play of light and shadow to model the figure and surrounding foliage, creating a convincing sense of depth. The palette of greens and browns grounds the scene in a natural environment, while the crisp rendering of the umbrella and clothing reflects the realist commitment to precise, unidealized detail.
History & Provenance
Painted at the turn of the twentieth century, the canvas entered the Tretyakov Gallery’s holdings, where it remains on public display. Its acquisition aligns with the museum’s mission to preserve works by leading Russian artists of the realist tradition.
Context
*In the Sun* follows Repin’s celebrated genre pieces such as *Barge Haulers on the Volga* and his numerous portraits of notable figures. While those works often address social or historical themes, this painting turns to a more intimate, domestic scene, illustrating the breadth of Repin’s realist interests.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Ilya Yefimovich Repin (5 August 1844 – 29 September 1930) was a Ukrainian-born Russian painter.



















