The Zdravnevo estate is located 16 kilometers from Vitebsk, on the picturesque bank of the Western Dvina River. This place is closely associated with the name of the great Russian artist Ilya Yefimovich Repin, who spent every summer here for 10 years, traveling from St. Petersburg. The estate became not only his home but also a source of inspiration, where many of his works were created.
Ilya Repin purchased the Zdravnevo estate in 1891. That year, he completed his large-scale painting "Zaporozhian Cossacks Writing a Letter to the Turkish Sultan." Emperor Alexander III bought it for 35,000 rubles, a very large sum at the time. With 12,000 rubles, Repin bought the Dvornevo estate near Vitebsk.
At that time, Repin was already a famous artist. He had already painted works such as "Barge Haulers on the Volga" and "Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan," among others. He was looking for a secluded place where he could focus on his creativity. The estate, surrounded by forests and the river, was perfect for this purpose. Repin named it Zdravnevo, derived from the word "zdravy" (meaning "healthy" or "sound"), symbolizing health and well-being.
Repin actively participated in the development of the estate. He redesigned the main house, built outbuildings, and laid out a garden. The artist personally took part in planning the territory, striving to create a harmonious space that would inspire him for new works.
Repin spent about ten years at the estate. He usually stayed there from May to September, although he often traveled to St. Petersburg and abroad. At Zdravnevo, he painted numerous works, sketches, and portraits. The nature of the Vitebsk region, with its serene landscapes and picturesque views, greatly influenced the artist`s creativity. Among the famous works created at Zdravnevo are "Autumn Bouquet," "On the Western Dvina," "Sunrise," "Belarusian," as well as portraits of local residents.
Repin last visited Zdravnevo in 1904. In 1903, he purchased the Penates estate near St. Petersburg, where he spent the last years of his life. However, his children continued to visit Zdravnevo for a long time. After 1917, the Bolsheviks left the estate in Repin`s ownership.
The main house of the estate was built in the Art Nouveau style with elements of folk architecture. The house was surrounded by a large garden with fruit trees, flower beds, and alleys. From the estate, there was a magnificent view of the Western Dvina, which often became the subject of Repin`s paintings.
Unfortunately, the original house has not survived to this day—it was destroyed during the WWII. However, in 1988, the estate was restored based on preserved blueprints and photographs. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to the life and work of Ilya Repin.
Nowadays, the Zdravnevo estate is a museum complex that includes the restored main house, a wing, a park, and outbuildings. The museum`s exhibition features Repin`s personal belongings, copies of his paintings, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the artist`s life in Belarus.
Special attention is given to the estate`s natural surroundings. The park, designed by Repin, has retained its layout and atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the alleys, enjoy the views of the river, and imagine how the artist drew inspiration from these landscapes. The Zdravnevo estate is located in the village of Ruba, near Vitebsk. It can be reached by car or public transport.
