RIA Novosti rings in the New Year with a look at masterpieces from Russian and Soviet artists. Today we present Valentin Serov.
Valentin Serov (1865–1911), a Russian painter, graphic artist and portraitist.
Between 1878 and 1879, Serov studied drawing and painting with Ilya Repin. During this period, he lived with Repin’s family. Photo: “Winter” (1898). Gouache and pastel on cardboard.
On Repin’s recommendation, Serov was enrolled in the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts in 1880. Photo: “Peasant Woman with a Horse” (1898).
In 1884, Serov embarked on an independent career, growing increasingly proficient in painting, predominantly portraiture. In 1887, he painted the famous portrait of Vera Mamontova (“Girl with Peaches”).
Starting with his early masterpieces – “Girl with Peaches” and “Girl Lit by the Sun” (photo) – Serov pursued increasingly complex artistic agendas, finding ever more terse and yet expressive means for conveying his models’ inner world.
Serov often said: “Portraits should be painted in such a way as to make even a faceless figure resemble the original.” Photo: “Portrait of Z.N. Yusupova” (1902). Oil on canvas.
“Portrait of Emperor Nicholas II” (1900).
“Portrait of O.K. Orlova” (1911). Oil on canvas.
In the late 19th century, Serov emerged as premier portrait painter in Russia, surpassing even his great teacher Repin. Photo: “Portrait of Actress Maria Yermolova” (1905).
“Portrait of I.A. Morozov” (1910).
Portraits by Serov are not just a talented reproduction of an individual’s appearance but, what is more important, that of his or her inner world.
In 1907, Serov and Leon Bakst travelled to Greece to immerse themselves in the world of Ancient Hellas. The journey resulted in a series of pictures on themes from Greek mythology. Photo: “The Rape of Europa” (1901).
The great portrait painter Serov was no less gifted at interpreting the world of nature. Photo: “Overgrown Pond. Domotkanovo” (1888).
Serov died in Moscow in November 1911. Photo: “Peter I on a Dam in Petersburg” (1907).
