|
|
|
 |
|
Vasily
Surikov (1848-1916)
|
|
 |
|
Surikov
executed only nine historical canvases out of hundreds of portraits,
studies, and sketches, but he is still considered Russia's greatest
historical painter. |
Vasily Ivanovich
Surikov was born in Krasnoyarsk into a family of Siberian Cossacks,
whose ancestors came to conquer Siberia with Yermak in the 16th
century (The
Conquest of Siberia by Yermak). The future artist grew up among
brave and solid people, in severe natural conditions. Surikov said
later that Siberia gave him the ideals of historical characters,
spirit, strength and health.
He received his first art lessons from his school teacher, N. V. Grebnev, who, seeing the talent of the boy, started to work with him
individually. After finishing school in 1868, the young man left for
St. Petersburg on horse-back to join the Academy. He spent a year on
his journey, because on his way he made frequent stops in the
ancient towns through which he passed. In 1869, he entered the
Academy of Art, where he studied excellently.
In 1874, Surikov painted his first historical work The
Knyaz’s (Grand Duke’s) Court of Law, in 1875 – Apostle Paul
explains the Christian Dogmas to Agripinna and his sister Berenice.
That year he received commissions for 4 big paintings for the
Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. To fulfill the commissions
Surikov moved to Moscow, where he settled permanently.
Moscow with its old architecture impressed the artist deeply. The
views of the Red Square, monasteries and cathedrals, Kitay-Gorod
called to mind dramatic historical events. “When I moved to
Moscow, this center of the nation, I immediately found my way in
art.” – Surikov. On impulse, he started the big historical
canvas
Morning
of Strelets’ Execution (finished in 1881). This painting
defined the main direction of his work – depiction of Russians in
turning points of their history. The next big painting,
Menshikov
in Berezovo, dealt with the personal drama of an outstanding
politician. Once a mighty courtier, the right hand of Peter the
Great, now an exile, Surikov’s Menshikov impresses the viewers
with his strong personality. Surikov’s wife sat for Menshikov's
daughter, Maria, who is beside her father wrapping herself in a fur
coat. After the collector of Russian art Pavel Tretyakov bought both of Surikov’s canvases, the artist had money to go abroad. He visited
Germany, Italy, France, Austria, studying and admiring the rich
collection and different schools of painting, drawing and painting
his impressions. The interesting fact is that while getting foreign
impressions, the artist thought out his next work from Russian
history
Boyarynya
Morozova. On his return Surikov started the work on this canvas.
In 1887, Surikov’s wife died. Her death caused a deep depression:
he gave up painting, turned to religion, and left with his children
for Siberia. The atmosphere, familiar from childhood, and the caring
attitude of his friends restored him to life. In 1891, in Siberia,
Surikov painted his most joyous picture
Taking
of a Snow Fortress, which shows a Siberian game in which a
horseman must jump over a snow wall, defended by young people with
twigs and whips. This cheerful painting is an exception in his art,
all other paintings by Surikov are very serious.
After the Taking of Snow Fortress Surikov started painting
The
Conquest of Siberia by Yermak (1895). The battle of the 16th
century between the Cossacks under their ataman (commander) Yermak
Timofeevich and the troops of Kuchum-Khan, the ruler of Siberia, he
showed with reliability of a witness. Another big canvases, devoted
to Cossacks is
Stepan
Rasin (RAH-zin), which depicts the moment of the Cossacks return
from a successful campaign against Persia.
Besides historical pictures Surikov created many portraits and
self-portraits which show the gift of the master and his interest
into the inner world of his models.Bibliography:
Vasilii Surikov by V. Kemenov. Aurora. Leningrad 1978. |
|
|
|
Many thanks to
www.abcgallery.com
www.russianartgallery.org
www.elibron.com |
|
