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Class 9
The Neo-Russian Style in Art: Critical Realism.
The Society of Wandering Exhibitions
Russian art of the 19th century is known for its realism. The term
"realism" implies that art "presents life as it is."
Realism in Russian art could be seen in two variations:
(1) "pure", or "objective" realism, i.e., "presenting life as it is,"
when artists describe "neutral", or "ordinary" experiences, and
(2) "critical", or "psychological" realism, when authors choose
to describe more extreme experiences with observable
"interference" from the artist.
Frequently used devices in literature:
-Details: Realistic art concentrates on the details of experience.
-Slice of life: The writer is free to to have the reader look into
a particular situation which is already underway.
-Setting: the background, or "social setting" is important. It
provides the artistic "canvas" upon which the images are
painted or described.
-Nature descriptions: Nature, like society underscores the
human condition, for example, a "stormy" relationship between
two people may be paralleled by a storm in nature.
- Believable dialogue: (a) characters use the vocabulary that is
common for their social setting; (b) peculiar vocabulary helps
further identify the characters;
Ivan Turgenev (1818-83) is regarded as "the realist's realist" by
Gustav Flaubert and Henry James. Although Turgenev really reveals
his own prejudices, yet he explores some of the most difficult issues
of his times, including the abolishing of serfdom. His most famous
works include: On the Eve and Fathers and Sons.
Objective Realistic Painters
-"objective" Russian realistic paintings are photographic in their detail;
-often depict landscapes and portraits;
some of the noted painters:
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-Alexander Ivanov (1806-58)-- portrayals of both contemporary
scenes and historical events (250 paintings). Began his work as
a "romantic"; early paintings were influenced by Italian art.
The most famous painting:
Christ's Appearance to the People (1837-57);
combines mystical portrayal of Christ together with realistic faces of the
people in the crowd;
-Ivan Aivazovsky (1817-1900)-- seascapes depict nautical scenes;
The most famous paintings: The Ninth Billow and Wave;
-Ivan Shishkin (1832-98)-- landscapes; almost photographic presentation of nature.
The most famous paintings: Ship Timber Meadow and
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Pines Illuminated by the Sun;
Critical Realistic Painters: The Wanderers
In realistic painting, one group of painters stands out,
the so-called Wanderers (Peredvizhniki):
Kramskoy, Ge, Surikov,Vereshchagin, and Repin.This group
-rebelled against academic painting traditions;
-felt that paintings should be made available to all the people;
-art exhibits should travel to all, including the distant locations;
-were not pleased with the way things were going in Russia;
-attempted to infuse social commentary into their paintings;
Ivan Kramskoy (1837-87)-- The most famous painting:
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The Temptation of Christ. Depicts a thoughtful Christ sitting
amidst a rocky wasteland; conveys a sense of contemplation;
Nicholas Ge (1831-94)-- The most famous painting:
The Last Supper. Unlike Leonardo's masterpiece, the painting
is dynamic; the betrayal has taken place, and the disciples are trying
to understand what has happened;
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Vasiliy Surikov (1848-1916)--The most famous painting:
Boyarinya Morozova. Depicts the noblewoman being carried
away to be executed or being an old believer. A crowd watches
as she holds up two fingers the sign of Old Believers
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blessing themselves.
Ilya Repin (1844-1930)-- The most famous paintings:
Bargehaulers on the Volga. A group of men strapped
together with a large belt, pulling a boat on the Volga
river; they are depressed and show no hope; just one
young man looks into the distance;
Tzar Ivan the Terrible and his Son Ivan. Depicts the star
at the moment that he murdered his own son; Alexis appears
in the Christ-like position; Ivan's crazy eyes look into
the distance; he almost disbelieves what he has just done;
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