Underworld (In light of the lamp) Ilya Repin (1844-1930)
Ilya Repin – Underworld (In light of the lamp)
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Painter: Ilya Repin
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This painting depicts a meeting of several revolutionaries. They have found a secluded corner, locked themselves in a dark room, and are discussing grand plans. There are a total of 13 people in the room, several of whom are still very young. They, despite their young age, are already ready to fight for their interests. The company sits at a table covered with a white tablecloth. On the table are glasses of tea and an ashtray. The faces of the revolutionaries show us incredible thoughtfulness.
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Description of Ilya Repin’s painting "Gathering
This painting depicts a meeting of several revolutionaries. They have found a secluded corner, locked themselves in a dark room, and are discussing grand plans. There are a total of 13 people in the room, several of whom are still very young. They, despite their young age, are already ready to fight for their interests. The company sits at a table covered with a white tablecloth. On the table are glasses of tea and an ashtray.
The faces of the revolutionaries show us incredible thoughtfulness. They are thinking incessantly, contemplating a new plan, or perhaps preparing for a fierce battle. Probably the main character at work is a man with bright red hair. We do not see his face-he is a mysterious, unknown man of the people. We do not care about his face, his clothes, the most important thing is his actions and thoughts.
The image of the revolutionaries is shown in an interesting way. Ilya Repin clearly wanted to show that the revolutionaries are ordinary people. They walk through the streets in the typical clothing of their surroundings, do not stand out in any way. The only and most important difference between them and the gray masses - they have an idea. Their mind is illuminated by the idea, which carries a great force. Repin does not portray revolutionaries as heroes. No! For him, all rebels are just people, and the power and strength they hide within themselves.
The idea of secrecy is also shown by the artist through the color scheme. The painting is quite dark and gloomy. The artist did not carefully trace the background of the work, thus showing the blurriness, indistinctness and mystery of the encounter.
The only source of light in the room is a small lamp on the table. But we can’t see it. The master did not paint the lamp itself, he only depicted the bright faces. This is probably another technique that Repin used to show us the power of the revolutionary idea. It turns out that the source of light in the picture is not, but the people are bright, bright. Their faces reflect the flame that symbolizes the bright idea.
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Here we see a gathering of men, predominantly middle-aged, seated around a covered table. Their attire suggests a working-class background; clothing appears worn and functional rather than decorative. The faces are rendered with a degree of realism, yet they remain largely expressionless, contributing to an atmosphere of quiet resignation or perhaps weary acceptance. A young woman is present among the men, her gaze directed downwards, seemingly lost in thought or avoiding contact. Her presence introduces a subtle element of vulnerability within this otherwise homogenous group.
The light source itself plays a crucial role. It casts harsh shadows, obscuring details and creating an unsettling ambiguity about the nature of their gathering. The objects on the table – glasses, likely containing alcoholic beverages – suggest a social ritual, perhaps a form of solace or escape from difficult circumstances. However, the lack of animation in the figures’ faces prevents any sense of joviality; instead, there is a pervasive feeling of melancholy and quiet desperation.
The artist employed a muted color palette dominated by browns, grays, and blacks, further reinforcing the somber mood. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, contributing to a sense of immediacy and authenticity. This technique avoids idealization, presenting the subjects with an unflinching honesty that emphasizes their hardship.
Subtly, the painting hints at themes of poverty, social alienation, and the psychological toll of difficult labor. It is not merely a depiction of a group sharing drinks; it’s a glimpse into a world where hope seems diminished and survival demands quiet endurance. The lamps light becomes symbolic – a fragile beacon in an overwhelming darkness, illuminating a moment of shared experience within a larger context of hardship.