This information comes from a book called:
Portraiture in Russia: XX Century
Ilya Repin and Leo Tolstoy were close friends for many years. Apparently Repin had visited Tolstoy's home quite frequently and had painted numerous portraits for him. This particular one shows Tolstoy in his garden. His being barefoot, thus the title "Leo Tolstoy Barefoot" reflects the writer's spiritual quest.
A quote by Repin about Tolstoy:
Quote:
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No matter how this giant humbles himself or covers his mighty body in mortal rags, the Zeus in him always shines through.
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This portrait, by the way, took 10 years before it was completed. Karin, I think we found someone who surpasses the time you take in achieving perfection.
If my memory serves me right Tolstoy has written indirectly about Repin in "Anna Karenina."