Ilya Repin was born in 1844 in Ukraine and was a pioneer of the Naturalist realist movement that followed. His energy and talent brought him to the heights of society and his work on major events in history capsulate the narrative with power and insight. Repin's drawing skills were always remarkable from a youth, his mother was a teacher and encouraged his talents, he was apprenticed at an early age and evolved into one of the most revered artists of his day and is once again enjoying honor worldwide.