Follow me, Satan! 1891

Editor: So, here we have Ilya Repin’s “Follow me, Satan!”, created in 1891, using oil paint. It has this oppressive atmosphere… what's your interpretation of it? Curator: Well, it is striking, isn't it? Repin painted this during a period of intense social and political upheaval in Russia. We see not just a depiction of Satan, but an embodiment of the anxieties surrounding authority and social disruption. Who is this figure leading, and to what end? Do you think Repin uses the landscape here to reflect the turmoil of the time? Editor: I suppose the dark colours, along with the agitated brushstrokes, enhance that feeling of unease. Is the figure of Satan meant to represent specific political entities or ideologies from that period? Curator: That's a compelling question. While Repin never explicitly stated his intention, considering the revolutionary sentiments brewing, the "Satan" figure could be seen as symbolic of radical, potentially destructive, change. Perhaps the painting even alludes to the artist’s own internal conflicts, given Repin’s complex relationship with the evolving socio-political landscape of Russia at the time. How does the title “Follow Me, Satan!” complicate your understanding? Editor: It makes me wonder if Repin saw something seductive in these radical ideas, even while recognising their dangerous potential. Like he’s wrestling with a desire for change. Curator: Exactly. This tension speaks volumes. It's about engaging with ideas that are disturbing and seductive, but which ultimately reflect deep seated social issues. Editor: So the painting is a sort of engagement with those disruptive social elements in society? Curator: Yes, that’s precisely how I see it. Through "Follow me, Satan!", Repin prompts us to consider the seductive nature of revolution, but also the darkness that can accompany societal transformation. Editor: I never thought of it like that, so thank you, it really broadened my perspective! Curator: The pleasure was mine; there are always new paths for interpretation.