Raising of Jairus Daughter 1870

Ilya Repin made this oil-on-canvas painting of "Raising of Jairus Daughter" in 1871 in Russia. The picture shows Jesus Christ raising Jairus's daughter from the dead. It's a biblical subject, but Repin portrays it in a naturalistic style, which was typical of the Russian realist movement of the 19th century. This movement sought to depict everyday life and social issues with accuracy and honesty. In the late 19th century, Russian artists increasingly questioned traditional institutions and hierarchies, seeking to portray the realities of Russian society. Repin's painting reflects this by presenting a religious narrative in a way that feels human and relatable. It speaks to the artist's commitment to representing the world as he saw it and engaging with the social and political questions of his time. To fully appreciate Repin's painting, we need to understand the social context in which it was made. Historians can delve into the cultural debates and artistic movements of 19th-century Russia to gain deeper insight into the meaning and significance of this work.