The artwork titled “Maxim Gorky reading in The Penates his drama Children of the Sun” was created by artist Ilya Repin in 1905, employing charcoal as the medium. Executed in the Realist style, the genre painting measures 28 x 50 cm and is housed in a private collection. The piece depicts Maxim Gorky, a prominent Russian and Soviet writer, reading his play to an audience.
Upon observing the artwork, one can discern a keen attention to detail and an adept use of charcoal to convey the subtle nuances of the scene. The central figure, presumably Maxim Gorky, is poised with a manuscript in hand, suggesting a moment of literary recitation or discussion. Around him, an attentive audience is captivated, their expressions ranging from thoughtful concentration to engaged curiosity, reflecting the power of the dialogue and the performer’s presence.
The setting appears informal and intimate, providing a glimpse into a moment shared by intellectuals of that era. The use of light and shadow in the artwork adds depth and texture, while the loose, expressive lines lend the scene an immediacy and lively energy. Despite the monochromatic palette, the artist effectively communicates the atmospheric and emotional qualities of the moment, which is a testament to Ilya Repin’s mastery in portraiture and genre scenes.