The artwork “Sadko in the Underwater Kingdom” by Ilya Repin was created in 1875. This piece is constructed using oil on cardboard and belongs to the Realism art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are relatively modest, measuring 22.5 x 17 cm. Classified as a literary painting, it is inspired by a narrative theme and currently resides in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The painting depicts a moment from the Russian epic tale of Sadko, a musician who ventures into the realm of the Sea King. It captures an ethereal underwater scene where the forms and figures merge with the surrounding environment, creating a dreamlike vista. The brushwork is loose and impressionistic, which adds to the mysterious and fluid quality of the underwater setting. The central figures are obscured and blend into the background, underscoring the otherworldly atmosphere evoked by the artist. The depth of the sea is suggested through the use of dark tones and dappled light, hinting at the vastness and the enigmatic nature of the underwater domain. Repin’s skillful handling of light and shadow, combined with the rich texture of the paint, make this work a compelling depiction of Sadko’s legendary tale.
