Seamstress 1882

Ilya Repin created this image of a seamstress in 1882 using graphite on paper. The drawing provides a glimpse into the life of a working woman in late 19th-century Russia. Repin was known for his Realist paintings that often depicted the lives of ordinary people and challenged the conventions of academic art. In this drawing, the seamstress is shown at work. Her hunched posture and focused gaze convey the physical demands and monotonous nature of her labor. This image reflects the social and economic conditions of the time, when many women worked in low-paying jobs to support themselves and their families. Repin’s choice to depict a seamstress as the subject of his art can be seen as a commentary on the social structures of his time. He was part of the progressive movement, The Wanderers, who wanted to critique the institutions of art. Understanding the social and institutional context in which art is made is essential to grasp the full meaning. Researching the history of labor, gender roles, and artistic movements in 19th-century Russia can shed light on this artwork.