Ilia Répine

A harbinger of change, the Russian Revolution of 1905 was a “dress rehearsal” without which “the victory of the October Revolution of 1917 would have been impossible.” The Manifesto of Emperor Nicholas II ‘On Improvement of the State Order’ was the first Russian Constitution in history. The promises of “unshakable foundations of civil freedom”, personal inviolability, freedom of conscience and speech were received with enthusiasm by the liberal circles in Russia. The painting by Ilya Repin (1844-1930), artist, teacher and a key figure in Russian realism art, is a snapshot of that pivotal moment in Russian history.

We see members of Russia’s progressive society: students, professors and workers. Full of enthusiasm, they are carrying red flags and singing revolutionary songs… They have lifted an amnestied prisoner on their shoulders, and this crowd of thousands is moving across a big city square in ecstasy of general jubilation. The artist sought to convey the excitement and state of mind of the crowd. Many of the characters are real historical figures.

In 1911, the painting was successfully exhibited at the International Exhibition of Art in Rome. Due to a censorship ban, the Russian public won’t see the work until 1912.