Russian artistic heritage is a huge layer in world culture, which is very important for its study. Our talented compatriots have created many masterpieces, becoming recognized masters in their fields. This article will tell about the outstanding founder of impressionism in Russia - Konstantin Korovin.
Brief biography of the artist
The talent of the painter manifested itself in his youth. Konstantin Alekseevich in his childhood knew which profession he would choose, so in 1875 he entered the Moscow School. It was there that the future master of brush and canvas met with other outstanding artists, whose paintings today are presented in the best galleries in Russia and the world. Among his friends are I. Levitan and their landscape painting teacher V. Polenov.
Korovin’s paintings reflect this period of the artist’s life. Since the Polenov family became almost native to Korovin because of the very warm friendly relations of the teacher and student, on his canvases one can see images of a summer house in the village of Zhukovka, where his teacher lived.
At the turn of the 19-20 centuries. in Russia, realism reigned in painting. Korovin’s paintings, however, are painted in a different direction, alien to our country — they relate to impressionism. It was in this course of painting that Konstantin Alekseevich fully revealed his talent.
Korovin was a multi-faceted person. In addition to artistic creativity, he was actively involved in architecture, creating scenery for theatrical productions.
The author’s style of the painter was greatly influenced by communication and joint trips to Europe with V. Serov. Korovin really liked his friend’s paintings. Inspired by them, the artist wrote a series of sketches.
The theme of flowers in the work of the painter
Korovin’s paintings are distinguished by brightness of colors, catchiness, relief of images. Looking at them feels the atmosphere of the depicted rooms, streets, sunbeams and the light of lanterns. A special place in the artist’s work is still lifes, in which the master preferred to depict flowers.
The color harmony selected for the paintings is striking. The canvases are as if filled with air, they are light and light.
It is noteworthy that the paintings of Korovin, which depict flowers, most often do not have any special name. The titles reflect the essence of the paintings, for example, “Flowers and Fruits”, “Wine and Fruits”, “Twilight in the Room”, “Roses”, “Still Life with Lobster”, etc. This is due to the influence of the realistic tradition that prevailed in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century.
Theme of Paris
Korovin took a lot for himself from trips around Europe. Description of paintings created under the impression of the capital of France can be reduced to one word - life. It is the atmosphere of life of a large bright city that the artist’s canvases are filled with. Among the best works inspired by Paris, one can name the eponymous "Paris. Street ”,“ Paris. Boulevard "," Paris "," Night Paris ", etc.
Konstantin Korovin, whose paintings were exhibited more than once in the best galleries in Europe, was constantly looking for new sources of inspiration for his works. He possessed a unique technique of painting, so his paintings are still an unsurpassed example of Russian impressionism.