Impressionism in Russia: Dawn of the Avant-Garde

In the late 19th century, Russian artists were inspired by French Impressionist painters, who developed a preference for working en plein air and capturing transitory effects through a spontaneous and free handling of the brush. This lavishly illustrated volume explores how French Impressionism influenced the evolution of Russian art from the 1880s to the 1920s, with essays by leading scholars providing new insights into this intriguing chapter of Russian modernism.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 30 November 2020
\n Publisher: Prestel
\n

In the late 19th century, a wave of Russian artists embraced the style of French Impressionist painters, finding inspiration in their vibrant and expressive works. Many of these artists embarked on a journey to Paris, where they immersed themselves in the artistic scene and were captivated by the Impressionists' use of light and color. This fascination led them to develop a preference for working en plein air, seeking to capture the fleeting moments and atmospheric effects of nature.

As they studied the Impressionists' techniques, these Russian artists began to develop their unique styles, incorporating their own cultural influences and perspectives. They experimented with bold colors, loose brushstrokes, and a sense of spontaneity, creating works that were both visually stunning and emotionally charged.

One of the most notable examples of Russian Impressionism is the work of Ilya Repin, a master of realistic portraiture and landscapes. Repin's paintings, such as "The Poor Peasant" and "The Barge Haulers on the Volga," capture the essence of rural life in Russia and the struggles of the working class. His use of light and shadow, as well as his attention to detail, evoke a sense of realism and empathy that is reminiscent of the Impressionists.

Valentin Serov, another influential Russian artist, was influenced by the Impressionists' use of color and light. His paintings, such as "The Girl with the Glove" and "The Snowstorm," are characterized by their vibrant and bold palette, as well as their atmospheric and dreamlike quality. Serov's use of color and light creates a sense of movement and energy that is both captivating and mysterious.

Konstantin Korovin, a member of the "World of Art" group, was also deeply influenced by French Impressionism. His paintings, such as "The Village" and "The Forest," are characterized by their use of light and color to create a sense of harmony and balance. Korovin's paintings are often characterized by their simple and elegant compositions, which reflect the influence of Japanese art and traditional Russian folk art.

Natalia Goncharova, a pioneering figure in the Russian avant-garde, was influenced by both French Impressionism and the Cubist movement. Her paintings, such as "The Red Square" and "The Black Square," are characterized by their abstract and geometric forms, as well as their use of color and light to create a sense of movement and energy. Goncharova's use of color and light is both innovative and experimental, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in art at the time.

Kazimir Malevich, a renowned abstract artist, was also influenced by French Impressionism. His paintings, such as "Black Square on a Red Ground" and "White Square," are characterized by their use of geometric forms and bold colors to create a sense of abstraction and universality. Malevich's use of color and light is both minimalist and powerful, creating a sense of order and chaos that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

This lavishly illustrated volume explores the many-layered ways French Impressionism influenced the evolution of Russian art from the 1880s to the 1920s, including the work of painters as diverse as Ilya Repin, Valentin Serov, Konstantin Korovin, Natalia Goncharova, and Kazimir Malevich. Essays by many of the leading scholars in the field provide rich new insights into one of the most intriguing chapters of Russian modernism.

In conclusion, the influence of French Impressionism on Russian art in the late 19th century was profound and far-reaching. The Impressionists' use of light and color, as well as their emphasis on working en plein air, inspired Russian artists to develop their unique styles and techniques. The resulting works, which are characterized by their bold colors, loose brushstrokes, and sense of spontaneity, continue to inspire and influence artists today. This lavishly illustrated volume provides a valuable insight into the many-layered ways French Impressionism influenced the evolution of Russian art and is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of modern art.

\n Weight: 1864g\n
Dimension: 250 x 310 x 32 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783791359830\n \n