Vasily Polenov - the artist who has overtaken the millennium

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

Calling the work of the artist Vasily Polenov a layer of Russian fine art, the researchers are not entirely accurate in this definition. Polenov managed to create more than one such layer, as he achieved perfection in several directions.

The origins of the talent and its cutting

From childhood, being brought up in a large noble family, Vasily received a good upbringing and an impeccable education. The artist's relatives and the best teachers accompanied the formation of artistic taste and the development of abilities. The mother herself gave the first lessons to the children, along with Bible readings, historical and cultural education. It is known that in her youth she took lessons from Karl Pavlovich Bryullov. Then Vasily, together with his sister, studied with masters from the Academy of Arts.

Christ and the Sinner, 1888

Polenov from a young age was endowed with versatile talents. He entered the Physics and Mathematics Faculty of St. Petersburg University, and graduated from law. But all this time he continued his studies at the Academy of Arts, which he graduated on a par with the university.

"On a boat. Abramtsevo.", 1880

The most significant contribution to the formation of the young Polenov was made by Pavel Chistyakov, who was engaged in tutoring while still a student. The formation and development of the artist continued by other masters of Russian academic art.

"Moscow courtyard", 1878

"Overgrown Pond", 1879

Polenov received his first gold medals for his paintings (Job and His Friends, The Resurrection of Jairus's Daughter) as a schoolboy. He shared the glory of one of them with the then famous artist Ilya Repin.

"Portrait of the Artist Ilya Repin", 1879

At the same time, the biblical theme in the work of Vasily Dmitrievich is not accidental. The point is not only that it was popular and was rightfully considered the crown of most masters of that time, but also that the Polenov family paid great attention to biblical education. Plots of Christianity and Christian history, the search for their understanding of biblical truths can be traced like a golden thread throughout the artist's career.

"Monastery over the river," 1899

The cardinal points in the work of the master

Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov quite early became an academician and received wide recognition from eminent colleagues and the enlightened public. He was involved in teaching, supporting and popularizing the fine arts. Many wonderful Russian creators have become his students and followers. Among them are I. Levitan, K. Korovin, I. Ostroukhov and many others.

"The Master's Right", 1874

From a young age to his last days, he traveled a lot. This was not a search for an idle life. During his travels, the artist worked especially hard and productively. European tours, two large trips to the Middle East to the origins of Christianity, the Russian North, the Volga region, cities of the Russian hinterland, front-line territories - all were reflected in large cycles of work.

Dreams, 1894

"In the park. The town of Veul in Normandy", 1874

One of the distinguishing features of the maestro's paintings is often called the continuation of the Russian traditions of academic realism. But, perhaps, the main feature of all his works was the artist's commitment to the bright side of the universe. Indeed, in his works there is always a search for light truths, views and judgments. Not the expression of positive impressions - they are difficult to find in front-line sketches or tragic stories - but the search for the right path, true values, the bright human and natural essence of the world around us.

"Burnt Forest", 1881

Odalisque, 1875

Tectonic layers of culture

In modern perception, Polenov's work can most likely be attributed to an underestimated heritage. "Academic realism" is one of the modern labels. Such a concept simply did not exist during the life of these masters. Another label, even more unsightly, is "Wanderers".

"Old mill", 1880

"Dragonfly (" Summer red sang … ")", 1876

Polenov and several other great painters did indeed organize an innovative movement of traveling exhibitions. It was a way to make money. The business model, as it is called today. Of course, the exhibitions were also educational in nature, but they were invented precisely for the implementation of works. Later, the "Itinerants" were presented as something similar to a popular movement. However, the not always skillful implantation of the "principles of populism" by "art critics in civilian clothes" still hinders an adequate perception of many masterpieces of Russian painting. The proceeds from the sale of paintings were used by artists in different ways. Polenov invested a lot of money, time and effort in patronage, in support of folk talents. This affected both painting and theater. The so-called "Polenovsky House" is only one of the episodes of the painter's activity.

"Middle Eastern Landscape", 1881

Assessing the legacy of Vasily Dmitrievich in Russian culture, it is worth recalling that he worked and reached brilliant heights in various directions:

"Grandma's Garden", 1878

Doge of Venice, 1874

Classical portrait - a recognized portrait painter of that time, not only proactively painted friends and casual acquaintances, he received many orders from eminent persons;

"Pond in Abramtsevo", 1883

Landscape - here Polenov is a recognized master, but very many works are little known to the general public due to the obsessive dissemination of only a part of them;

"The Resurrection of Jairus's Daughter", 1871

The biblical plot is the golden thread of the artist's work, where his improvement and originality can be traced throughout his life;

"Caesar fun", 1879

• Historical painting - in this genre, the faithful son of the Fatherland also reached the highest standard, without betraying his own style and immortalized canons;
• Theatrical painting, illustration - books, ideas for posters, theatrical images, styles created by Vasily Dmitrievich were included in the elements of the foundation of this genre.

"Parthenon. Temple of Athena-Parthenos", 1882

Title picture: "Pine Forest on the River Bank"