The artwork “Raising of Jairus Daughter” by Ilya Repin, created in 1871, is a religious painting executed in oil on canvas. Interpreting the genres of Realism and Orientalism, Repin offers a canvas measuring 229 x 382 cm. The artwork portrays a significant biblical event with a focus on emotional depth and human experience, as practiced in the Realist tradition.
The artwork captures a poignant scene centered on the biblical story of the raising of Jairus’ daughter. On the left side of the painting, the young girl is lying on a bed, appearing lifeless. Her pallid complexion and the stillness of her form convey the depth of the tragedy depicted. A luminous candle chandelier projects a warm, yet somber light over her, emphasizing the solemnity of the moment.
Standing to the right of the bed is the figure of Jesus Christ, depicted with a serene and composed demeanor. His right hand extends towards the girl, alluding to the miraculous event about to transpire. His gaze is steadfast, directed at the child, conveying both authority and compassion. The immediate area around Jesus is brighter, symbolizing the divine presence and the hope it instills.
The shadows in the background hint at the presence of other figures, likely the mourning family and followers, their forms obscured and merging with the dark ambiance of the room. The blurred and indistinct nature of these figures creates a sense of the ethereal and the unknown, contrasting with the clear delineation of Jesus and the child.
The overall composition, with its play of light and dark, is evocative of the Realist movement’s aim to capture real scenarios with emotional intensity while incorporating Orientalist influences in the form of exotic and biblical subject matter.
