In the history of Russia it is difficult to meet an original steel and such an exceptionally original nature, in the words of Repin, a “genius-inventor”, a monogamist, all his life burning with the fire of love for art and only art... In childhood - orphanhood and poverty, and at the end of life - a huge fortune, which he devoted entirely to the needs of his native art, the highest artistic glory, the brilliance of such success that few Russian artists have had. The book tells about the life story and creative path of this amazing person. It is offered to a wide range of readers.