Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottoman Empire

"Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottoman Empire"

Renowned Russian artist Ilya Repin created the iconic painting "Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottoman Empire" also known as "Cossacks of Saporog Are Drafting a Manifesto." This remarkable artwork, measuring 2.03 meters by 3.58 meters, was begun in 1880 and completed in 1891. It was purchased by Alexander III for an impressive 35,000 rubles, making it the most expensive Russian painting of its time. Today, it proudly resides in the State Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg.

The painting depicts a legendary moment from 1676, where the Zaporozhian Cossacks were said to have responded to an ultimatum from Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottoman Empire. Although the original letter was lost to history, it was rediscovered in the 18th century by an amateur ethnographer, inspiring Repin to recreate the scene. The Cossacks, led by Ivan Sirko, famously replied with a letter filled with insults and profanities, showcasing their audacious defiance and humor in the face of authority.

Repin admired the Cossacks for their ideals of freedom, equality, and fraternity, and this admiration is palpable in his painting. The artwork quickly gained popularity and cultural significance, inspiring numerous literary and musical adaptations. However, not all were enthused; art critic Clement Greenberg dismissed it as "kitsch." Despite this, the painting continued to appear in films, video games, and music compositions, solidifying its place in popular culture.

Reproductions of the painting exist, with one notable copy housed in the Cincinnati Art Museum. The painting's historical context and significance have been explored in numerous books, cementing its legacy as a powerful symbol of resistance and defiance against oppressive forces.