The Wanderers and Critical Realism in Nineteenth Century Russian Painting: Critical Realism in Nineteenth-Century Russia

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Wanderers and Critical Realism in Nineteenth Century Russian Painting: Critical Realism in Nineteenth-Century Russia
Authors and Contributors      By (author) David Jackson
SeriesCritical Perspectives in Art History
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:224
Dimensions(mm): Height 240,Width 170
Category/GenreArt and design styles - c 1800 to c 1900
Painting and paintings
ISBN/Barcode 9780719064357
ClassificationsDewey:759.7
Audience
General
Illustrations Illustrations, black & white|Illustrations, colour

Publishing Details

Publisher Manchester University Press
Imprint Manchester University Press
Publication Date 1 June 2011
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The rise of critical realism in nineteenth-century Russia culminated in 1870 with the formation of the Wanderers, Russia's first independent artistic society. Through depictions of the harsh lives of the peasantry, the fate of political activists, Russian history, landscapes, and portraits of the nation's cultural elite, such as Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, the society became synonymous with dissident sentiments. Yet its members were far from being purveyors of anti-Tsarist propaganda and their canvases reflect also a warm humanity and a fierce pride for such nationalistic themes as Russian myth and legend. Through close readings of single canvases, investigations of major themes and a multi-disciplinary integration of the Wanderers within Russian society, this book gives the first comprehensive analysis of the crucial cultural role played by one of the most successful and genuinely popular schools of art, the legacy of which comprises a fascinating panorama of life and thought in pre-revolutionary Russia. -- .

Author Biography

David Jackson is Head of School and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies at the University of Leeds

Reviews

The book is well written. It reads easily, and this in itself might help to popularize the Wanderers. It can certainly be recommended as a readable popular survey or introduction. Elizabeth Kridi Valkenier, Columbia University