Ilya Repin,1844?1930
Born in Chuguev (Kharkiv region) in a family of a military officer, Ilya Repin received his first drawing lessons in a local school of military topographers, and later - from local icon painter I. Bunakov. Starting from 1859 he was dealing with painting icons and church frescoes. After moving to Petersburg he studied in in painting school under Petersburg Society of Encouraging Arts and later on - in the Academy of Arts. After spending years in Italy and France in 1873?1876 he returned to Chuguev, later on relocating to Moscow and Petersburg. Beside his artwork, he was renowned for his teaching activity as professor and later dean of Academy of Arts.
After the October Revolution, when Finland became independent, Repin remained in his manor in Cuoccala. Despite the multitude of invitations, he did not move to USSR, although kept in touch with his friends until his death on Sept 29, 1930

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Zaporozhie cossacs writing a letter to Turkish sultan - Ilya Repin, 1878?1891

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Unexpected visitor - Ilya Repin, 1884-1888

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The dragonfly - Ilya Repin, 1884

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The hunchback - Ilya Repin, 1881

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Barge-haulers - Ilya Repin, 1870-1873