SADKO IN THE UNDERWATER KINGDOM (detail), 1876 (oil on canvas)

1876//Oil on canvas In Paris, in 1873, Répine began this work inspired by a traditional Russian poem. It depicts the story of Sadko, a wealthy Novgorod merchant, who falls into the underwater kingdom of the sea tsar; invited to choose between several fiancées, he elects Chernavushka, the Russian girl. Répine worked on this painting for three years, without being satisfied with it. He felt that this fantastic theme, treated with precious details and refined colors, would not be in line with his ambition as a realistic painter. Nevertheless, the artist presented Sadko to the Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg on his return in 1876 and received, thanks to this work so foreign to the rest of his production, the title of academician.