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Artwork

Welcomming the Icon

Konstantin Savitsky , 1890

Welcomming the Icon, by Konstantin Savitsky, oil, 1890
Welcomming the Icon, by Konstantin Savitsky, oil, 1890

Welcomming the Icon is an oil painting by Konstantin Savitsky. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Welcomming the Icon is a large oil painting by Konstantin Savitsky, created in 1878. It measures 141 × 228 cm and is held in the State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a group of peasants gathered around a horse-drawn carriage containing a revered icon, conveying a sense of rural life and spirituality. The scene is set against a backdrop of trees and a cloudy sky, evoking a sense of warmth and coziness through earthy tones.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Savitsky's attention to detail, with intricate textures and patterns on the clothing and carriage. The multi-figure composition and genre theme are characteristic of the artist's style, which was influenced by the Peredvizhniki movement.

History & Provenance

Painted during the Russo-Turkish War, Welcomming the Icon was first exhibited at the 6th Peredvizhniki exhibition in St. Petersburg in 1878. It was later purchased by Pavel Tretyakov and is now part of the State Tretyakov Gallery's collection.

Legacy

The painting has been praised by art critics, including Vladimir Stasov and Sophia Goldstein, for its nuanced portrayal of peasant life and its significance within the New Russian School. Alexander Benois noted its anti-clerical undertones, highlighting Savitsky's skill as an artist of folk themes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Konstantin Savitsky

Artist

Konstantin Savitsky

Konstantin Apollonovich Savitsky (Russian: Константи́н Аполло́нович Сави́цкий; 25 May 1844 — 31 January 1905) was a Russian painter in the Realist style, active during Tsars Alexander II through Nicholas II's reigns, primarily known for…

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Tretyakov Gallery. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.