As you can learn from the history of Russian art, the 19th century is a period of prosperity and active development of different directions. The culture of that time is determined by bourgeois relations. Capitalism was fully formed already in the 18th century, encompassing various areas of material production, and this affected the non-productive areas. Such features of the social system affected philosophical teachings, paintings and literature, and the public consciousness. All this greatly influenced the life of a person.
general information
Understanding of Russian literature and art of the 19th century is possible only if a person knows about the contradictions that were characteristic of the bourgeoisie of that time in our country. The context of the previous century was not easy. Internal clashes, conflicts, opposing tendencies and confrontation of classes strongly influenced the creative, non-material spheres of life. The bourgeoisie fought against the proletarians, material culture suddenly found itself in a fashionable wave, and spiritual culture progressed against the background of the alienation of the individual. In the 19th century, all this changed dramatically and radically. All human life turned upside down literally when machines became available that separated person and nature, changed stereotypes and ideas about the meaning of man in the world. From this moment on, people are addicted to cars. Mechanization is accompanied by the estrangement of the spiritual realms, separation from the foundations. Handicraft and creativity are supplanted by monotonous occupations.
In many ways, Russian art of the turn of the 19-20 century is determined by the spirituality of the public. This kind of culture is due to successes in the field of natural sciences and philosophical breakthroughs. Science was a key area of social development, that determined all spheres of society. Value orientations are determined by bourgeois criteria and rejection of such a society. Accordingly, the culture of that century includes several, it would seem, opposite directions. This is the period of romanticism and the time when critical realism is actively developing. In the 19th century, we see the progress of symbolism, along with which many are passionate about naturalism, but positivism attracts no less public attention.
Worldview and culture
The whole European culture of that century is a demonstration of social contradictions. It is amazing at how deeply creative the tension is, how closely science and the spiritual are connected, literature and everyday life, art and philosophy. Particularly curious is Russian art of the early 19th century in the field of painting. At this time, the dominant school is an academic drawing. The most attractive directions for artists are history, the image of battles. This is largely due to the consequences, the impact on the society of the Patriotic War and victory in 1812. Success in hostilities has led to a rise in the identity of the nation. In the mid-60s of the same century, social themes and everyday life became more fashionable and popular among the painting. Near the end of the century, impressionism is gaining popularity. If you look at the works of that time, you will notice that more and more often artists create images in the Art Nouveau style or turn to the school of neoclassicism.
19th century Russian art cannot be considered without speaking about academic drawing. Such a school of painting in this century is the key. It is she who sets the fashion, defines the demanded directions, actual styles. The key method is classicism. Typical and most popular genres are portrait images, history, decorative painting. However, the youth of that time was extremely disagree with academic conservatism. Avoiding portraying motifs from the Bible or mythology, they preferred to paint landscapes and paint portraits. More and more often in the works visible features of romanticism, realistic features.
Names and Examples
In short, Russian art of the 19th century is a surprisingly multifaceted phenomenon, characterized by a variety of directions and the originality of their manifestations. Quite curious are portraits painted by Kiprensky. It is in them that one can see how the canons of portraiture are complemented and perfectly combined with the romanticism of the new era. The most indicative in this regard are portraits of Chelishchev, Rostopchins, Tails.
No less interesting are the works created by Tropinin. These are realistic portraits in which the person is the center of attention. This author depicts every face extremely accurately. The figures he painted ideally reflect the real person who posed for the picture. Particularly curious and incredibly reliable are his works, which depict Ravich, Bulakhov, Morkov. The same artist created one of Pushkin's most outstanding portraits - the one where the great poet listens to himself, leaning on a stack of sheets.
Bryullov and Ivanov
In Russian art of the first half of the 19th century, a strong academic school attracts attention, in accordance with the requirements and canons of which the work "The Last Day of Pompeii" was created. This unique work was one of those that glorified its author Bryullov throughout the world. In many ways, it is the best option for illustrating changes, the development of social thought of that period. By the manner of its depiction, one can see how much society expects changes, how powerfully the self-awareness of the nation has risen. Bryullov's work symbolizes the human courage of those who are faced with a terrifying catastrophe.
However, other works of Bryullov are no less curious and indicative in terms of reflecting the ideas of that time. Traditionally, the artistic, historical, cultural value of “Italian Noon” is highly appreciated. Among the gold funds of that era are the “Horsewoman” and “Bathsheba” created by this author. To this day, critics admire the unique painting "Italian Morning." And in them, and in other works of an outstanding author, one can see how Bryullov reflects the beauty of nature and man accurately, clearly, surprisingly penetratingly.
Ivanov is an equally important representative of Russian art in the first half of the 19th century. In his works one can see how folk spirituality awakens. The most famous work of the author is “The Appearance of Christ to the People.” It is known that the artist worked on this canvas for about two decades. The divine essence is seen in the distance, and the foreground is given to Ivan the Baptist, who points to Jesus, attracting the attention of a simple people. The faces of the entire public depicted on the canvas brighten when approaching the deity, and the observer immediately sees how full of joy these people’s souls are.
Century moves to the middle
In the first half of the 19th century Fedotov and Venetians created. The efforts of these artists laid the household genre, formed social painting. In Venetsianov’s paintings one can see the idealization of peasant everyday life. This artist focused on human nobility, on amazing beauty, which is not determined by social affiliation and class division. Particularly attractive are the works created by him “Peasant Woman with Cornflowers” and “Threshing Floor”. Very revealing images of people employed in work on arable land, reaping.
In the second half of the 19th century, Russian art was gradually moving toward realism. The main theme of that period was the reflection of peasant life in all its features. The new trend was affirmed rather complicated. His followers had to make a lot of efforts in the fight against representatives of the academic field, who preferred classical painting. Some said that art is higher than everyday life, that there should be no place in it for everyday topics, society or nature. However, as can be seen from the works of that era, academics were forced to retreat under the pressure of a new direction. Since 1862, all pictorial genres are considered equal. From this moment, the subject matter is not taken into account when evaluating the image, and artistry is the only important quality.
Romanticism and Sentimentalism
When the war of 1812 ended, in Russia, obviously, the interest of ascetics of culture in public life increased. Much attention is drawn to the characteristics of the individuality of a simple person. Thus, a new idealism is born, based on the idea of a person who is not dependent on difficulties, spiritually strong, feeling deeply, expressing it passionately. Such an ideal has become the basis of creation in the style of romanticism. This concept was new to the art of that time; it only began in the 19th century. Gradually, classicism is losing its old traditions, and it is precisely romanticism that takes its place. Russian art of the 19th century developed in this vein mainly at the beginning of the century. This is where painting takes literally leaps and bounds forward. The best aspirations, soul soaring - all this is intended to reflect the works of artists. This was especially successful through portraiture. The most outstanding works in the romanticism style of that era belong to Kiprensky's brush.
He greatly influenced all of Russian art of the 19th century. At first he studied at the Educational College, then at the Art Academy. The artist received knowledge in the class of historical painting. His work quickly attracted attention thanks to successful and atypical color solutions that determine the modeling of the form. Energy is reflected in pasty painting, due to which everything depicted becomes even more expressive, emotional. Sarabyanov spoke of Kiprensky and romanticism, recognizing that the direction itself in our country was not as strong as in many European powers, it did not know the tragedy as in Western countries, but it was Kiprensky that was special in this movement. His works are largely consistent with the academic classical notion of harmony, but the artist surprisingly reflects subtle emotional experiences and analyzes them, depicting the work in a spirit that is almost close to sentimentalism. In Kiprensky’s paintings, the combination of the past and the present is especially visible. It is felt that these images were created in an era when society is filled with hopes, consciousness is especially strong thanks to victories. Romantic portraits performed by this artist, as critics say, are surprisingly charming, peculiar and extremely expressive.
About Kiprensky more in detail
Kiprensky, who made a special contribution to 19th-century Russian art in the Italian stage of his life, rarely did something as vivid as he created in his youth. This is due to the nuances of his fate. Among the most interesting and significant works can be noted a portrait of Pushkin painted in the 27th year. Kiprensky created it when he happened to return to his native land for the last time. In 1822 he wrote a surprisingly elegiac portrait by Avdulina, each touch of which is full of sadness.
As many critics say, it is impossible to overestimate the importance of graphic portraits that have come out from the stylus of this artist. Most often, the author worked with Italian pencils. For coloring, watercolor and pastel were used. Kiprensky also used colored pencils. The very fact of such quick sketches is considered entertaining.
It is believed that such a genre of fine art is the best reflection of modern times. In the works of Kiprensky one can see how amazingly skillfully he uses pencils, fixing fleeting facial expressions and minor changes, literally soul movements. The graphic work of the famous artist is noticeably evolving over the years. Later works are not so direct, they do not have the same warmth, but the virtuosity of the execution of each stroke and the sophistication of the work as a whole are absolutely delighted.
Oryol
Born in 1777, a Pole by birth, this artist made his considerable contribution to 19th century Russian art. Today, critics call him a consistent romantic. He brought into our culture some areas more characteristic of Western creativity. He is known for his bivouac images and paintings showing shipwrecks. Pushkin wrote about his abilities. It so happened that Orlovsky assimilated as soon as possible, having arrived in Russia, and this is reflected in his works. Graphic art and portraits in this genre are especially expressive and indicative. Externally, one can see typical signs of European romanticism, tension, and a desire for rebellion. At the same time, something especially personal, secret is also visible. The self-portrait of the artist created in 1809 is especially indicative in this regard.
This author has largely laid the foundation for realism. His brushes belong to genre sketches. He created lithographs, made various drawings, on which he captured moments from the life of the city.
Time goes by - art develops
Russian art of the second half of the 19th century is a gradual withering of academicism. From the beginning of this century, realism is gradually becoming more and more powerful. At the Academy of Art, teachers tried to impress on students that art is beyond life. The main themes for creation were considered biblical subjects and mythology. This led to an open riot among the students, and led the commune of Kramskoy. The development of the situation over the course of the century led to the appearance of the Wanderers. All these people did not accept academic painting in principle. Myths, decorative paintings, theatricality, pomp were rejected by new artists who wanted to paint a simple life. During this period, progressive painting, the main idea of which is democracy, receives the greatest recognition of society. Key figures of that time can be called Kramskoy, Stasov. The main collector of the era is Tretyakov. Thus, the second half of this century is the time of the special flourishing of democracy and realism in artistic culture.
Within the walls of the Academy of Art, new trends entail considerable changes. In the 63rd, a riot of fourteen begins, which contributed to Russian art of the late 19th century. Several artists preparing for graduation from the academy refused to write creations on the topics he had set, and teachers refused to allow students to freely choose for themselves the theme of the graduation canvas. As a result, the rebels simply left the school, founded their own artel. True, it did not exist for long. Soon Muscovites, Petersburgers created the same traveling exhibitions of the 70s. More often they could be seen in the metropolitan area, less often artists went to provincial cities. The asceticism lasted for more than half a century. Every exhibition was considered a significant social event, especially in the province. The Wanderers had an ideological program and sought to reflect reality, real life, its problems and difficulties.
Partnership: more details
Russian art of the 2nd half of the 19th century is not only wanderers, but they were one of the most important phenomena of that time. Myasoedov once said that the success of this whole movement will be determined by how well it will turn out to hold the first performance. Reality showed that he was completely right. A meeting devoted to the activities of the circle was convened on December 6, 1870. Then they decided that the exhibition should be held next year, from September 15 to the first day of the next month. However, in reality, it was not possible to comply with the deadlines indicated. The Wanderers were able to show work to people only on November 25. The exhibition lasted a little over a month, closed on the second day of 1872, was an amazing success and determined the future of the Partnership. In total there were 16 participants with 47 paintings.
I must say that Russian art of the 19-20 centuries is largely known precisely because of the activities of the Wanderers. According to critics, it was the representatives of this movement that were able to create a unique genre, within the framework of which they raised the most acute social problems, voiced the most important nuances of everyday life of ordinary people. For example, Myasoedov created the famous painting "Zemstvo dines", and Savitsky in his works reflected the commitment of the peasantry to Orthodoxy and the sincerity of the faith of a simple person. The classic canvas of this artist, glorified him - "Meeting of the icon."
Household genre
This trend gained strength in the 60-70s of the 19th century, becoming a new genre picture. Features of the direction allow us to talk about his relationship with impressionism.The primary object of interest of the artist is the routine, expressiveness of the moment, instant, mood change, interest in people outside the norms of society. Russian art of the late 19th and early 20th centuries largely reflected this direction. The formation of tips has made the domestic genre even more relevant. New features have appeared that are associated with socialism, to which the society of that time strove. The works of artists show optimism, dedication, the establishment of a new life. The unity of the social and personal was especially characteristic of that time.
Russian art of the late 19th - early 20th century is attractive for its features of the domestic genre. As soon as the Soviets came to power, Kustodiev, Vladimirov tried to reflect in their canvases the changes that had occurred in the country. Pimenov, Deineka began to create in a specific genre, quite energetic and cheerful. Here you can see the desire for construction, the spirit of an industrial society, a love of sports. Such themes became organic prerequisites for creativity in the 30s, laid down by the features of Russian art of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the particularly famous names of that time, it is worth noting Plastov, Odintsov. Gerasimov’s works and paintings by Gaponenko are characteristic.
About music
Amazing and beautiful Russian musical art of the 19th century. Traditionally, in the history of our country, music has a special place. According to many critics, it was at the beginning of the 19th century that in our country, the classic blossoms especially magnificent. Glinka, Dargomyzhsky do their amazing things, thanks to which art rises to a universally recognized world level. However, music does not develop on its own, but in the context of social progress, the growth of statehood. The war of 1812, the uprising of 1825 play an important role. Patriotism reigns in society, the spirituality of the nation rises, and this affects all spheres of cultural life. Belinsky will later say that 1812 shook the country, woke it from sleep, and discovered new sources of strength.
In such conditions, a classical music school is formed. Significant for the era are the creations of Pushkin and Zhukovsky, Krylov. Based on their amazing literary works, composers also create. In many ways, the growth of music is already noticeable at the level of lyceum students. Musical art is developing in boarding houses, universities, circles devoted to both music and literature at the same time. The meetings held by Odoevsky are especially famous in St. Petersburg, and in Volkonskaya and Griboedov in Moscow.
In conclusion: a little about architecture
In Russian art of the 19th century, architecture occupies a special place. In the 30-50s, multi-style became the dominant trend. It is relevant until the end of this century. The basic idea is the reasonableness of determining the stylistic performance of an object. At the same time, architects took into account artistic goals and architectural tasks. In the second part of the century, the anti-classicist movement became stronger, having received a theoretical foundation. Stasov’s reasoning about the Renaissance and the trends that he introduced into architecture is quite curious. He talked about the fact that the architecture of his time in his homeland was not a restoration, but a new Renaissance. The retrospectiveism of this era is not an end in itself, but a means of shaping the architecture of the future.