Russian Art
Early art
Around 998, Russia's dominant religion changed from a Pagan religion to Christianity
Because of this, artists started creating religious art, many showed images of the birth of Jesus, Christian Saints and other major Christian figures such as Moses and David.
This art was called Icon.
The Russian church belongs to Eastern Orthodox Christianity where Icon style paintings were common.
Andrei Rublev
There is not much information about him due to him being around during the 1400's, however he is considered the biggest Icon artist.
Even though he is considered the biggest Icon artist, there is only one piece that is confirmed to be his, and that is Trinity.
Every icon painted was coated with a layer of special drying oil to protect the painting overtime. They also did this to make the colours more intense.
This method did work for a while but eventually meant that all icon paintings turned black with age. They all needed to be restored.
This is not the original Trinity as it had to be restored twice.
The westernisation of Russian Art
Around the 17th century, Russian art started developing from it's religious tendencies. Many people desisted this, up until this point it had been strongly discouraged to create anything but religious art.
In 1672, Tsar Peter the great started pushing what the rest of Europe were doing onto Russia, some call it 'westernising' Russia.
Neoclassicism was popular in Europe at the time.
Neoclassicism is a form of art that depicts Roman and Greek philosophies, culture and art.
Characteristics of Neoclassicism: Nudity, dramatic scenes, greek architecture
Neoclassicism can be expressed with art, literature, theatre and music.
Focuses on the 'ideal human form' (gods)
Anton Losenko
Originally from Ukraine, however lived in imperial Russia for his whole life.
Painter and academic, specialised in Historical and religious stories.
Anton Losenko is regarded as one of the founders of the Imperial Russian historical movement (inspired by neoclassicism) in painting and together with his textbook (which was used until the mid-19th century), he influenced the education of art in the Russian Empire.
Realism
Until this point, Russian art was very regulated. There was only one type of art that was acceptable in each period, for example early art and neoclassicism.
Rebellious groups became very sick of sticking to one type of art, and this started the Russian Realism art movement
A group of artists known as the Wanderers produced works depicting more familiar, native Russian subjects rather than ones imitating Western ideas
These pieces of art show everyday Russian art. They show Russian life, not gods and Roman soldiers. Famous paintings include forests, people and other non religious objects.
Ilya Repin
Russian realist painter. He was the most renowned Russian artist of the 19th century
He played a major role in bringing Russian art into the mainstream of European culture
Did not do this through Neoclassicism but through normal paintings.
In favour of the Russian Revolution
Modernism
20th century
Russia underwent major changes, including the 1917 revolution, a civil war, and the founding of the Soviet Union (USSR)
Art became more 'avant garde'
''new and experimental ideas and methods in art, music, or literature''
Evolved from realism to 'strange' and colourful, however realism was still present.
Used vibrant colours and an imaginative, often dream-like style
Wassily Kandinsky
Kandinsky produced some of the first significant abstract Russian pieces of art.
Works have a Picasso feel to them
Bright colours and shapes, very different to what Russia usually had,
Kandinsky is often called 'the pioneer of abstract art', not just in Russia but worldwide.
Less realistic, it was meant to look like art, rather than a photograph.
Russian architecture
Russian architecture has long been known for its distinctive style.
Most of the country’s iconic buildings were constructed in the 400-500 like the Kremlin and St. Basils Cathedral
The Kremlin
St. Basils Cathedral
Buildings have both ancient Russia and Byzantine cultural connections
The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire and Byzantium, was the continuation of the Roman Empire
Cathedral of Christ the saviour is said to be a perfect example of this cultural blend.
Byzantium architechture
Wood was the most popular construction material in traditional Russian architecture. Most buildings were surrounded by forests that they could get wood from, this was the best choice for houses, churches, and town walls. Wood was often carved into different shapes and coloured to add decorative elements to the buildings.