Peter the Great on the hunt 

Ilya Repin painted this watercolor, titled 'Peter the Great on the Hunt'. While it doesn't have an exact date, its style situates it within the late 19th century, a time of great social and political change in Russia. Repin, deeply invested in national identity, often depicted scenes that captured the essence of Russian history and culture. This work portrays Peter the Great, the Tsar who attempted to modernize Russia. This piece, though, gives a more intimate glimpse into the Tsar’s life. In this snapshot, we find Peter not in the halls of power, but engaged in a hunt. Repin captures the energy and spectacle of the scene, the horses in full gallop, and the figures in pursuit. It’s a vivid display of power and privilege. This work presents an interesting question about leadership and how one’s identity is shaped by one’s actions, whether in governance or leisure. It reveals aspects of Russian identity through the lens of its leadership.