Artwork

On the Island of Valaam

On the Island of Valaam, by Arkhip Kuindzhi, unspecified, 1873
On the Island of Valaam, by Arkhip Kuindzhi, unspecified, 1873

On the Island of Valaam is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist Arkhip Kuindzhi. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

On the Island of Valaam, painted in 1873 by Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi, is a landscape work characterized by its serene and naturalistic depiction of a lakeside scene, featuring a rocky shoreline, trees, and a cloudy sky.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a tranquil landscape on Valaam Island, emphasizing the interplay of natural elements. The composition conveys a sense of calm, reflecting Kuindzhi's Realist approach to capturing the everyday beauty of the natural world.

Technique & Style

Kuindzhi employed chiaroscuro to create strong contrasts between light and dark, enhancing the depth and dimensionality of the scene. This technique, alongside the naturalistic representation, aligns with the Realism movement's principles.

History & Provenance

Created in 1873, the painting is part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection, indicating its significance within Russian art historical contexts.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Arkhip Kuindzhi

Artist

Arkhip Kuindzhi

Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi (27 January 1841 – 24 July 1910) was a Russian landscape painter of Urum (Crimean Greek) origin.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.