Repin was a talented psychologist who did more than just record the outer appearances of the state elite of his time. He created a whole gallery of highly interesting characteristics of those called upon to decide the fate of Russia. Repin was an artist forever seeking new subjects, themes, images and means of expression. He was never indifferent to events taking place in the country. Pictures such as What an Expanse! (1903) or 17 October 1905 (1907) are witness to Repin’s perception, attention and interest in the new social and political moods sweeping pre-revolutionary Russia.
