Refusal of Confession 

Ilya Repin made this sketch, titled 'Refusal of Confession', with charcoal on paper. The scene depicts a tense encounter between a priest and a defiant individual. Produced in late 19th-century Russia, this drawing engages with the complex relationship between the individual and the institutions of power, particularly the Orthodox Church. Repin was known for his critical realism, and this work challenges the authority of the Church, a powerful institution in Tsarist Russia. The figure’s refusal suggests a rejection of societal norms and religious dogma. To fully understand the context of this piece, one might delve into the social and political climate of Russia at the time, exploring the rise of revolutionary movements and intellectual debates about faith and authority. Understanding the socio-political context of late 19th century Russia is key to interpreting Repin's work.