10 vivid examples of Russian impressionism (PICS)

One of the largest trends in painting was reflected in Russia, as well. It also focused on nature and people, however, it had a strong, authentic, national allure.

Russian impressionism was born spontaneously at the end of the 19th century, initially under the influence of French masters, but with a bright national flavor. Thus, Ilya Repin and Vasily Polenov were simultaneously seized by the idea of enriching Russian ideological realism with light and air. And the artists of the next generation, such as Valentin Serov and Konstantin Korovin, picked up and developed ideas independently. 

Here are some examples of how Russian art comprehended the new trend in painting.

1. Abram Arkhipov. Winter, 1909

Voronezh Regional Art Museum of I.N. Kramskoy
Voronezh Regional Art Museum of I.N. Kramskoy

2. Alexander Bogomazov. Portrait of Wanda, 1907-1908

Private collection
Private collection

3. Arnold Lakhovsky. Fontanka embankment. Barges with firewood, Late 1910-1920s

Private collection
Private collection

4. Igor Grabar. Hoarfrost, 1904

Vyatka Art Museum named after Viktor and Apollinary Vasnetsov
Vyatka Art Museum named after Viktor and Apollinary Vasnetsov

5. Konstantin Gorbatov. A street of a provincial town, 1920

State Vladimir-Suzdal museum-reserve
State Vladimir-Suzdal museum-reserve

6. Nikolai Klodt. Overgrown pond, 1910

Museum of Russian impressionism collection
Museum of Russian impressionism collection

7. Pyotr Konchalovsky. A house in Belkin, 1907

Museum history of city Obninsk
Museum history of city Obninsk

8. Konstantin Korovin. Boulevard in Paris. From the series ‘Paris Lights’, 1912

Saratov State Art Museum named after A.N. Radishev
Saratov State Art Museum named after A.N. Radishev

9. Lukian Popov. In the garden (Tea Party), 1911

Orenburg Regional Museum of Fine Arts
Orenburg Regional Museum of Fine Arts

10. Mikhail Shemyakin. Hyacinths at Night, 1912

Museum of Russian impressionism collection
Museum of Russian impressionism collection

These and other works can be seen in the ‘Picturing the Air. Russian Impressionism’ exhibition at the Museum of Russian Impressionism in Moscow until June 1, 2025.

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