Ilya Efimovich Repin, born on July 24 (August 5) 1844 in Chuguev, Russian Empire, and died on September 29, 1930 in Kuokkala, Finland, was an outstanding Russian painter, educator, professor, and full member of the Imperial Academy of Arts. From early childhood, he showed an interest in drawing, studied to become a topographer, and worked as an apprentice to icon painters. He entered the Academy of Arts only on his second attempt but later returned there as a teacher. His works were commissioned by famous Petersburg aristocrats and even Emperor Alexander III.

Repin's creativity was characterized by subtle psychology, relevance, and reflection of social issues and concerns. He often focused on moments of emotional peaks of his characters. The main genres of his works included portraits, historical scenes, and genre painting. Contemporaries considered him a genius and one of the greatest artists, although Repin himself referred to himself as an 'ordinary figure' and claimed to be devoid of talent. He was a gentle and accommodating person but could easily become enraged if someone challenged his painting principles. While working on portraits, he confessed that he would 'fall in love for a short time' with the subject, studied the books of the depicted writers, listened to the music of composers, and memorized large quotes from the poets' verses. This was a brief but obligatory 'honeymoon' with the people whose images he created. For example, while working on 'Burlaks', Repin was thrilled with Kanin, 'passionately falling in love with every trait of his character and every shade of his skin and clothing.' Researchers called such passion 'professional expediency.' Although Repin painted with watercolor and ink, oil paints were always his priority. He worked with brushes almost blindly, trying not to take his eyes off the model.

The artist passed away on September 29, 1930, at the age of 86, having written a farewell letter to his friends and loved ones:

'Farewell, farewell, dear friends! I have been granted much happiness on earth: I have been so undeservedly lucky in life. I seem to be unworthy of my fame, but I did not seek it, and now, stretched in the dust, I thank, thank you, completely moved by the kind world that has always so generously glorified me.'