Russian painting

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Despite the sunny, uplifting feel of this famous painting, something sinister lies beneath.

Artists have often addressed the topic of Russian ballet: the pose, movement, and plasticity of ballerinas have inspired the creation of some genuine masterpieces. Fine arts and dance mutually enriched each other throughout the twentieth century: in many respects it was painting that introduced and endeared Russian ballet to the world.

"The face and soul of man, the drama of life, the impressions of nature, its life and meaning, the spirit of history—these are our themes," wrote Repin, who was celebrated as a master even during his own lifetime. His works reflect Russian art’s main ideological and formal aspirations in the second half of the 19th century.

Vassily Dmitrievitch Polenov (Russian, 1844-1927) Forestry, 1881 Oil on canvas, 90.5 x 134.5 cm

19th century Russian Art Portrait Painting: eyes are the window to the soul – Veronica Winters Paintings of Women

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky loved painting the sea. A Crimean native, he was born in Feodosia, a port town, and thus had great waters as a constant companion. This 19th century Russian Armenian painter had real knack for depicting waves. Light and translucent, they perfectly capture the essence of the real thing. Many of these paintings featured a human element, too, with ships showing the struggle between man and nature.

Of course, the Russian art world has far more than 100 great names worth knowing. We have selected the most significant and striking figures of their time, from the Middle Ages to the present, who have become an integral part of the global art scene.

Isaac Levitan (1860 - 1900) was a master Russian painter known mostly for his remarkable and diverse landscapes.

IVAN KONSTANTINOVICH AIVAZOVSKY1817-1900 SAILING SHIP ON A CALM SEA BY MOONLIGHTsigned with initial l.r.; further