The Peredvizhniki

by Per Hedström David Jackson, David Jackson (Editor)

The society of Russian artists known as the Peredvizhniki was formed in the late nineteenth century against a background of Academic autocracy, state censorship and political and social unrest. Through their art the Peredvizhniki addressed contemporary indigenous issues such as the hard lives of the rural and urban peasantry, the fate of political activists, landscapes, and portraits of the nation's intellectual elite. But its members also portrayed Russian history, myth and legend, promoting a passionate sense of national pride as they sought to widen the social audience of art by touring their brand of accessible realism to the provinces. The art of the Peredvizhniki has been tremendously popular in Russia since its foundation but is still little known to the public in the West. This book and accompanying exhibition presents the art of the Peredvizhniki on the largest and most comprehensive scale ever seen outside of Russia.

Genres: Art

303 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Hagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Russian iconoclasts of the 19th century. The Peredvizhniki movement emerged almost in parallel with French Impressionism. Both were born from young artists’ rejection of the academy, but the Russian movement resonates far more deeply with me (even tho I do love both).

What spellbinding realism!!! In contrast to French playful elusiveness, the Peredvizhniki captured Russian life in its full spectrum: through its myths, history, opulence, folk traditions, and peasant life. They depicted ordinary moments with the same mastery as scenes of high drama. I’m utterly impressed by how they truly saw/recognised Russia, its soul, its struggles, and its grandeur.