The artwork titled “Cry of Prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem” is a creation of the Russian artist Ilya Repin, made in the year 1870. This piece is executed in oil on cardboard, adhering to the principles of the Realism art movement. The painting measures 91 by 75 centimeters and falls within the genre of religious paintings. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
Depicting a scene based on a biblical subject, the artwork portrays the Prophet Jeremiah in a state of lamentation over the devastated city of Jerusalem. The central figure is cloaked and kneeling amidst ruins, suggesting a profound sense of despair. The dramatic chiaroscuro, the play between light and shadow, emphasizes the emotional weight of the scene. The chaos of the destruction is palpable through the scattered remnants and debris, which symbolize both the physical and spiritual wreckage. The choice of deep, somber tones and the attention to the textural details of rubble and architectural disintegration lend to the artwork a gripping realism, evoking sympathy and contemplation in the viewer. Repin’s skillful composition and use of color reinforce the poignant mood, capturing a historic and spiritual sorrow.
