The artwork “Preparation for the Examination” is a genre painting created by the artist Ilya Repin in 1864. This oil on canvas piece is a representation of the Realism movement, which sought to portray subjects in a truthful, objective manner, often focusing on everyday scenes and the lives of ordinary people.
The artwork depicts a scene from academic life, capturing two figures engaged in contrasting activities. The foreground is dominated by a young man, seated at a desk, intently focused on his studies. He is dressed in a traditional student uniform, with a distinctive hat, signaling his academic commitment. His posture and facial expression convey a sense of concentration and perhaps a hint of anxiety, suggesting the gravity of the impending examination.
Behind him, another figure lies stretched out on a couch, entirely at ease, possibly asleep. This juxtaposition between the studious diligence of the seated man and the relaxed demeanor of the recumbent figure introduces an element of narrative tension. It raises questions about the context and relationship between the two characters—why one is studious while the other is at leisure.
The setting is a room filled with daylight, streaming in through a large window, a typical element in Realist artwork, emphasizing the play of light and shadow. The details of the interior, such as the patterned wallpaper and the shelves with books and papers, are meticulously rendered, grounding the scene in a specific time and place.
In the background, a small dog lies on the floor, further contributing to the sense of domesticity and the everyday nature of the scene. The attention to detail and the portrayal of this quiet moment of academic endeavor reflect Repin’s ability to capture the essence of the era’s social and cultural milieu.
