The artwork titled “Raising of Jairus Daughter” is a religious painting by the artist Ilya Repin, created in the year 1870. This work is a testament to the Realism art movement of the time, reflecting the truthful and accurate depiction of life, free from stylization and artifice.
The artwork presents a dramatic and poignant scene taken from the Christian New Testament, where Jesus Christ is depicted performing the miracle of bringing Jairus’ daughter back to life. The scene is intimate and dimly lit, with a focus on the central figures and the act of miraculous revival taking place. Repin captures the moment with a high degree of emotional intensity and a meticulous attention to detail.
In the foreground lies the body of the girl, draped in white, her inert form stretched across the bed, suggesting the depth of the miracle about to occur. A candleholder, with candles burning, casts a warm glow, symbolizing hope amidst the darkness. Standing to the right is the figure of Jesus, cloaked in a simple, flowing garment. His stance is composed but assertive, with his hand extending in a gesture of command or blessing, illustrating his divine power. The masterful rendering of the textures and folds of the garments, along with the contrasts of light and shadow, enhance the solemnity of the scene. The overall composition reflects the somberness of the event, as well as its redemptive outcome.
