In December 1908, after numerous adjustments, reworking, as well as changing the composition, Repin finally exhibited "Black Sea Cossacks". In 1906, without the artist's knowledge, newspapers mentioned it, and from time to time there were reports in the press about the progress of the work. Everyone was also interested in the fact that the picture almost completely repeated the composition of Surikov's "Stepan Razin", shown in 1906. Repin's painting was originally horizontal and, like Surikov's, had a boat in the center. Both artists worked in different cities and the similarities were accidental. It was natural that they tried to create a picture of the events when the people tried to fight for their freedom. And they did not reflect the struggle itself, but its heroes in tragic moments of reflection. Repin introduced the Cossacks at the moment of expectation of imminent death, when returning from a raid on the Turkish shores, they were caught in the Black Sea by a violent storm. Repin made the composition vertical. The heaving sea seemed to overturn the boat on the viewer, making him a participant in the tragedy. Less space is left for the landscape, but all attention is focused on the images of the heroes of the picture, in which the daring and courage of free people, as well as the courageous dignity with which they are ready to face possible death, are expressed. The picture was painted during the years of the Stolypin reaction and did not receive an objective assessment. Critics convinced Repin that the painting was "unfinished". After the first exhibition it was taken home by Repin and for another 10 years it was seen in his workshop, from beginning to end converted (it is in one of the private collections in Sweden). Eyewitnesses of 1908 recall: “We remember the general impression of boldness and freshness, a mighty overflow of a dull olive-green wave. The main figure was very good - a young, beardless Cossack, naked to the waist. Leaning back in the boat and exposing his head and back to the sea spray, he looked at the viewer with an expression of pride and strength. In the foreground are the powerful backs of half-naked rowers. “Black Sea Cossacks” was painted with a smooth stroke, without the ragged texture inherent in Repin in those years. (E. Kirillina. Repin in "Penates". L., 1977, p. 104)