Hunchback Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

Description of Ilya Repin’s The Hunchback

Ilya Repin, a Russian artist of world renown who requires no introduction, was famous for his preparatory paintings, which testified to his special approach to his favorite work; even after the artist’s death, many preparatory sketches for his famous paintings were found.

The Hunchback" 1881, was also a study for his famous painting "Religious Procession in Kursk Province", 1880-1883 year. Writing "The Hunchback" was not easy for Repin, as he was looking for a man who would be suitable for this role, and yet found him in Khotkovo, a place where the artist often visited when he painted.

The artist many times painted "The Hunchback" in different poses, which is strange, because in the painting "Religious Procession in Kursk Province," the hunchback is one of the central characters. The author wanted the young man with a hunchback to represent poverty and at the same time iron will and a strong spirit, these qualities were necessary for the above mentioned picture, because in that picture the village headman swung at the hunchback, who was leaning on a stick, with a limp. The charisma of the hunchback clearly sets him apart from the crowd.

Do not assume that the "Hunchback" served only as a missing detail to the painting "The Procession in Kursk Province." The deep brooding gaze of the young man, and his physical defect in the form of a hump symbolizes a whole layer of society in late 19th century Russia, to the opinions and needs of no one, never listened to, but still, they were actively involved in the public life of cities, having their own independent opinion.

Considering all the moral qualities of the young man with the hunchback, as well as his extraordinary, charismatic appearance, the painting The Hunchback should be analyzed separately, as another masterpiece by the great Russian artist. Repin as if fully reveals the soul of his character and shows his experiences.