The artwork titled “Exit of Patriarch Hermogenes,” created by Ilya Repin in 1881, is a history painting executed in oil on cardboard. It represents the Realism art movement and measures 12.5 x 18.5 cm. This significant piece is housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia. As a work of realist art, it captures a historical event with fidelity to detail and mood.
In the painting, Repin depicts a procession within a dimly lit, seemingly underground space. The central figure, presumably Patriarch Hermogenes, is cloaked in a luminous golden robe, which stands out against the predominantly darker tones of the surroundings. This use of light highlights the patriarch’s prominence, both in the physical space of the artwork and in its narrative.
Surrounding the patriarch is a crowd of figures, painted with looser brushwork, which adds to the sense of movement and the somewhat chaotic atmosphere of the scene. The onlookers appear to comprise individuals from various strata of society, as indicated by the diversity in their attire and postures. Some faces are turned towards the patriarch, showing respect or curiosity, while others seem engaged in their own thoughts or conversations.
The use of contrasting dark and light areas, as well as the concentration of detail on the central figure, draws the viewer’s attention to the patriarch. The rich textures and the palpable tension within this throng of people effectively convey a moment of historical significance, as interpreted by the artist. The expressive brushwork and the handling of light underscore the drama of the event being depicted, aligning with the characteristics of the Realism movement, which aimed to portray subjects truthfully without idealization.
