For centuries Russia had no great painters to sFeak of. Artists like Rublov concentrated nearly all their creative talent on the painting of icons. Bu with the accession to the throne of Peter the Great, the world of the European Enlightenment flooded nto this large and reputedly backwards empire...

For centuries Russia had no great painters to sFeak of. Artists like Rublov concentrated nearly all their creative talent on the painting of icons. Bu with the accession to the throne of Peter the Great, the world of the European Enlightenment flooded nto this large and reputedly backwards empire.

St. Petersburg emerged from the swamps as if by niracle, thanks to the genius of an Italian architect, and for more than a century it was a cultural epicenler. The all-powerful Tsars that followed, along with Catherine the Great, encouraged exchange betwedn European and Russian artists. And from this exchange Russian painting was born, drawing strong inspiration from Italy and its colours, and combining this with the traditions of Russian art. It was not until the 19th century, however, that a true national style emerged, with the Itinerants and the Blue Rose group. The Revolution followed, and with it, the Russian avant-garde and modernism.

Throughout the book the author investigates Russian culture, which he finds to result from Eastern influences as much as Western. The illustrations reflect his analysis of these influences, and, covering all genres and styles, they add up to a stunning pictdrial variety. The works of artists like Borovikovsky, Serov, Vrubel, Briullov, Fedotov, Repin, Shishkin and Levitan, among many others, here showcase the fundamental contributions these painters have made to the history of world art. Writing after the fall of communism, Peter Leek puts into perspective th history and evolution of Russian art.

Introduction

Religious Painting

Portraiture

Historical Painting

Interiors and Genre Painting

Landscape

Still Life

Twentieth-century Avant-garde and Revolutionary art

Biographies

Bibliographie

List of Works Classed by Artist

Index