At home. The hero of the last war Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

The painting, titled At home. The hero of the last war, depicts a returning soldier, or hero, standing in what appears to be a bleak, possibly wintry landscape. He wears a cap and a long, heavy coat draped over his shoulders, suggesting travel and hardship. A walking stick is held in his hands, clutching it tightly, and he carries a satchel slung over his shoulder. The background is muted and somewhat indistinct, with a pale sky and a desolate ground that might be covered in snow or mud. A few birds are visible in the distance, adding to the sense of isolation.
The hero is the central focus, and his expression is stoic yet carries a hint of weariness or contemplation. The title itself introduces a significant subtext: the contrast between the glory implied by hero and the harsh reality of his return home after war. This juxtaposition suggests that the war experience has left its mark, and the homecoming might not be one of triumphant celebration but rather a quiet, perhaps somber, re-entry into civilian life. The painting seems to explore the psychological toll of war and the soldiers arduous journey back from conflict, emphasizing his solitary figure against a desolate landscape as a representation of his inner state. The title could also be interpreted ironically, questioning the very notion of a hero in the context of the destruction and suffering of war.