The artwork entitled “Sleeping Cossack” is an oil on cardboard painting created by the artist Ilya Repin in the year 1914. Repin, whose work is often associated with the Russian Impressionist movement, completed this piece using a palette that evokes the stylistic nuances of Impressionism. The painting measures 39.5 cm by 28.5 cm and is classified as a genre painting, depicting a scene from everyday life. Despite its historical significance and artistry, “Sleeping Cossack” remains part of a private collection and is not on public display.
In the artwork, the viewer encounters a Cossack in what appears to be a moment of repose. The subject lies on his side, his body relaxed and seemingly in deep sleep. The brushstrokes throughout the painting are loose and expressive, characteristic of the Impressionist style, which allows for dynamic movement and a certain vivacity within the composition. The Cossack’s attire, notably the bright red garment, is rendered with vibrant, vigorous strokes of paint that add to the overall vitality and immediacy of the scene. The remaining colors in the painting’s background are more muted, creating a contrast that further highlights the figure of the sleeping Cossack. This careful balance of color and texture demonstrates Repin’s ability to capture a sense of life and humanity within his subjects.
