REPIN, ILYA (1844-1930) After.

**PRICE ON APPLICATION**
 
"Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks" (c.1900)
oil on canvas
94 x 159cm
unsigned
*private collection, Siberia

This dynamic painting is a very early copy of the original, iconic 1891 painting which hangs in the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg (image 4 comparison). One of the most reproduced Russian paintings in history, this fine, early example was brought to Australia by Russian immigrants from Siberia after World War II!! "According to the story, the Zaporozhian Cossacks (from "beyond the rapids", Ukrainian: za porohamy), inhabiting the lands around the lower Dnieper River in Ukraine, had defeated Ottoman Empire forces in battle. However, despite his army having suffered this loss to them, Mehmed demanded that the Cossacks submit to Ottoman rule. The Cossacks, led by Ivan Sirko, replied in a characteristic manner: they wrote a letter, replete with insults and profanities. The painting exhibits the Cossacks' pleasure at striving to come up with ever more base vulgarities." It symbolizes unwavering freedom, defiance against imperial authority, and the Ukrainian spirit. Repin made two versions of this work. The second hung in the Kharkiv Art Museum until it was evacuated during the 2022 Russian invasion.