The National Museum of China has unveiled its largest-ever exhibition of works by Russian realist painter Ilya Repin, featuring 92 oil paintings and sketches from the State Tretyakov Gallery's collection. Opened as part of the China-Russia Years of Culture initiative, this cross-border collaboration brings iconic works like Barge Haulers on the Volga and Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to Asian audiences for the first time.
Curators describe the exhibition as a \“cultural bridge\” between the two nations, with National Museum of China Director Wang Chunfa noting: \“Repin’s humanistic spirit resonates deeply with Chinese artistic traditions.\” The showcase includes rarely seen preparatory sketches offering insights into the 19th-century master’s creative process.
Cultural analysts highlight the timing of this exchange, coming amid increased bilateral cooperation in arts and education. The exhibition runs through November 2023, with timed-entry tickets already in high demand among Beijing’s art communities and international visitors.
