In They Did Not Expect Him, how is the Symbolism of the Analysis elucidated?
Repin emphasises the political and spiritual dimensions of a return following a conviction for revolutionary activity. This return would have been considered "an unexpected and miraculous event" and even a "resurrection" during this period of history, when long sentences were common. The mother rising from her armchair to meet her son is reminiscent of how scenes from the Gospels, such as the resurrection of Lazarus or the Last Supper at Emmaus, are depicted. It is also similar to Alexander Ivanov's painting The Appearance of Christ Before the People, and it establishes a link with the theme of guilt, the prodigal son's return.The apartment's wall is covered with reproductions that support the painting's political and moral symbolism. These are portraits of democratic writers Nikolay Nekrasov and Taras Shevchenko, a Christ on Golgotha, a symbol of suffering and atonement, and a revolutionary intellectual. There is also a depiction of Emperor Alexander II on his deathbed, having been murdered by the Narodniki.The painting is full of surprises stylistically: the side lighting, the perspective, the door frame and the window in a row, the set of frames recall Dutch painters. The colours are very well mixed, "the blues are mixed with green, the browns with greys and purples, the reds are purplish".
Alexander Ivanov Taras Shevchenko Golgotha Emperor Alexander II prodigal son Last Supper at Emmaus Nikolay Nekrasov resurrection of Lazarus The Appearance of Christ Before the People