Scene from a Ballet (study) 1874

Ilya Repin painted this study, "Scene from a Ballet," using oil on canvas, a technique common among academic painters of his time. However, Repin’s approach isn't about smooth surfaces and blending, but more akin to sketching with paint. The loose brushwork, visible in the rendering of the figures’ clothing and the architectural details, speaks to the speed and spontaneity with which it was made. The texture of the canvas itself is also apparent, particularly in the foreground. He doesn't try to conceal the material reality of the artwork, but rather uses the material to build up the scene, like a stage set coming together before your eyes. The sketch-like quality of the painting suggests a glimpse into the artist’s process, rather than a finished, polished statement. By focusing on the process, we appreciate how materials and techniques inform the artwork's meaning, inviting us to look beyond the conventional art categories.