Kustodiev's painting "Maslenitsa", other famous works and biography of the artist

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Even those who are not too familiar with the history of Russian painting, at least once heard about Boris Kustodiev. The great artist is known not only in his homeland, but throughout the world, his paintings are sold at auctions and presented in the best museums on the planet. What was his life like, and what works deserve attention in the first place?

Biography of the master

Boris Kustodiev was born on March 7, 1878 in Astrakhan, in the family of a seminary teacher. A year after the appearance of his son, his father died and his mother, Ekaterina Prokhorovna, raised the children alone. From childhood, the boy was fond of drawing, and in 1887 he visited an exhibition of Wanderers, where he was so impressed by what he saw that it determined his whole future life. Boris took lessons from the local painter Vlasov, and in 1896 he entered the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. There he ended up in Repin's studio and turned to the portrait genre. One of the very first works - Kustodiev's painting "Portrait of Y. Bilibin" - was recognized at an exhibition in Munich (in 1901) as one of the best works in this direction. So the genre became decisive in the work of the painter. The academy was completed with a gold medal;a journey through Europe and acquaintance with great artists, among whom Kustodiev himself will soon be included. The paintings, the description of which is most often associated with the philistine and merchant life, will become a real treasure for someone who is interested in the Russian culture of those times. In 1909, Boris fell ill with spinal tuberculosis and spent the last fifteen years of his life in a wheelchair. Despite this, he remained cheerful and continued to work until 1927. In May 1927 the artist died in Leningrad.

Description of the painting "Shrovetide"

The artist's most famous canvases are connected with scenes from Russian life and everyday life. The famous painting "Shrovetide" is one of these. Kustodiev depicted on it the main square of a small town during festivities. The foreground depicts painted sleds on which people ride, on the sides are depicted strolling ruddy townspeople and children playing snowballs, fair trade is going on. The artist managed to perfectly convey the winter landscape, using a stunning palette of blue, red and gold tones, complemented by turquoise and emerald. The church is also depicted in the picture, surrounded by trees. The colors used emphasize the good emotions and purity of thoughts associated with faith, which imbue the bright, festive painting "Pancake Day". Kustodiev created an opportunity for everyone who looks at the canvas to feel like a part of the festivities. This is an incredibly optimistic work that allows you to get up close and personal with the lifestyle of the people of the late nineteenth century.century.

Description of the painting "Lilac"

The painter created a spring and bright canvas in 1906. Kustodiev's painting "Lilac" is filled with joy and inspiration, on it the artist depicted his beloved family. A young wife and little daughter are drawn against the background of lush lilac bushes that grew in the front garden near the house. Yulia Kustodieva is dressed in the fashion of those times - in a fluffy white dress that emphasizes a slender silhouette. She is holding her daughter in her arms in a white dress with blue stripes. Kustodiev's painting not only perfectly conveys his affection for the family, but also embodies the very weather of this day - the flowering of lilacs in the sun is depicted with amazing accuracy and harmony.

Description of the painting "Merchant for tea"

The canvas depicting a Russian woman with a portly figure and a kind smile can be called the key in the life of the master. This picture of Kustodiev is familiar even to those who have not heard of his work. The canvas depicts a tea party, a large samovar stands on the table and dishes with fruits, pies, jam, and white bread are displayed. Behind you can see scenes of Moscow: shopping malls, monasteries, a white-stone church. A slight irony can also be noted in the picture - a magnificent and good-natured merchant's wife with her feast makes the viewer smile. In addition, there is a deep symbolism in the work - it was written in 1918, at a turning point, when it seemed to many that Russia would never be the same, and its national features disappeared. The merchant's wife in this context becomes an image of traditional life that will never disappear.

Description of the canvas "Merchant counting money"

Like others, this painting by Kustodiev is dedicated to Russian people and scenes from life. The canvas depicts a merchant whose facial expressiveness is impressive. He has a firm and confident look, he knows how to work and is very tight-fisted, if not greedy. The gesture of his hand holding the money emphasizes the impression. But there is no negativity in the portrait. It was the merchant class that developed the Russian economy of those times. The country took the first place in the world in 1913, and without people like the old man in the portrait, this would not have been possible. The genre scene with features of the portrait genre succeeds Kustodiev perfectly - like "The Merchant for Tea", this work clearly reflects the work of the painter.