Ilya Repin, The Zaporozhye Cossacks Replying to the Sultan (1878-1891) Painting Poster
Please note, we also sell a framed version of this poster here on RUS & SOV.
About the Painting
Ilya Repin, the celebrated Russian master painter, created The Zaporozhye Cossacks Replying to the Sultan (Russian: Запорожцы пишут письмо турецкому султану) over more than a decade,1878-1891.
This painting immediately became wildly popular due to its impeccably conveyed Cossack spirit as well as the virtuoso artistic skills of Repin himself. No wonder Repin soon after started to be called "Gogol in Paints."
When you look at this colorful painting, it almost seems to peel with different shades of laughter that express a proud sense of independence. There is a legend that in 1675 the Turkish Sultan Mahmud IV sent a formidable and arrogant message to the Zaporozhye Cossacks in which he ordered their surrender. In response, they composed a stinging letter full of humor and contempt. Repin first heard about this letter in 1878 and, taken by the image of such a courageous, cheerful, free people, decided to make a painting out of the story.
Working for thirteen years, Repin thoroughly studied the history and life of the Zaporozhye Cossacks, made several trips to Ukraine, collected legends about the Zaporozhians from the people themselves, read historical works, and turned to archival documents.
With great skill, Repin brought to life vivid expressive Cossack characters that reflected their freedom-loving spirit, daring and solidarity. It's impossible not love this lively painting with all its noisy fun. Indeed the Emperor Alexander III purchased it for 35,000 rubles, at the time the greatest sum ever paid for a Russian painting
Original Painting
Poster Quality
Museum-quality posters made on thick and durable matte paper. Add a wonderful accent to your room and office with these posters that are sure to brighten any environment.
Please note, all poster sizes are in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%
