Solokha and deacon 1926

"Solokha and deacon" is a 1926 painting by Ilya Repin, a renowned Russian artist known for his realism and depictions of everyday life. The artwork portrays a scene from Nikolai Gogol's story "Christmas Eve," featuring Solokha, a cunning widow, and a deacon, a religious figure, in a tense interaction. Repin's use of color and brushstrokes captures the emotional intensity of the moment, with Solokha's mischievous grin contrasting with the deacon's troubled expression. The painting is a testament to Repin's mastery of capturing the essence of literary characters through his vivid and expressive brushwork.