Ivan Nikolaevich Kramskoi (1837 - 1887)

Ivan Nikolaevich Kramskoi (1837 - 1887) - photo 1

Ivan Nikolaevich Kramskoi

Ivan Nikolayevich Kramskoi (Russian: Иван Николаевич Крамской), a distinguished Russian painter and art critic, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Russian art scene during the latter half of the 19th century. Born into modest circumstances in 1837, Kramskoi's journey from a retoucher and watercolorist to a leading intellectual force in the art movement known as the Wanderers, or Peredvizhniki, underscores his dedication to art and its societal impact. His education at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts was a turning point, leading to his active rebellion against academic art through the "Revolt of the Fourteen," which culminated in the formation of the Artel of Artists, a group advocating for realism and the moral duty of the artist.

Kramskoi's oeuvre is celebrated for its masterful portraits, which he paradoxically considered a burden yet excelled in, creating around 3,000 pieces that captured the essence of his subjects with unparalleled depth. His portraits of Russian writers, scientists, artists, and public figures are notable for their expressive simplicity and profound psychological insight, reflecting his democratic ideals and the belief in the artist's societal role. Among his well-known works are "Christ in the Desert" (1872), "Portrait of an Unknown Woman" (1883), and "Inconsolable Grief" (1884), all housed in the Tretyakov Gallery, showcasing his ability to blend portraiture with genre painting to explore complex emotions and moral-philosophical themes.

Despite his critical stance on portrait painting as mere means to support his family, Kramskoi's legacy is largely defined by these works, revealing the tensions between his artistic aspirations and the demands of livelihood. His leadership in the Association of Traveling Art Exhibitions (Peredvizhniki) significantly influenced Russian art, championing realism and accessibility of art to the public.

Kramskoi's personal life, marked by a marriage born out of a romantic and ideological alignment with the values of his time, and his untimely death at the age of 49 from an aortic aneurysm, add a poignant note to his story. His contributions to art and his critical perspectives on its role in society continue to be revered, making him an essential figure in the study of Russian realism and the broader art historical canon.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Kramskoi's works represent not only exceptional artistic achievements but also a window into the cultural and social dynamics of 19th-century Russia. His dedication to capturing the human spirit, whether in the guise of famous personalities or common folk, ensures his enduring relevance and appeal.

To stay updated on sales and auction events related to Ivan Nikolayevich Kramskoi's works, signing up for updates is a pragmatic step for enthusiasts keen on exploring the depths of Russian art and culture. This subscription is a gateway to engaging with the legacy of a painter who skillfully balanced personal conviction with public duty, leaving behind a rich trove of art that continues to inspire and captivate.

Date and place of birt:8 june 1837, Ostrogozhsk, Russia
Date and place of death:5 april 1887, St. Petersburg, Russia
Nationality:Russia
Period of activity: XIX century
Specialization:Artist, Educator, Painter, Public figure
Art school / group:Itinerants
Genre:Genre art, Mythological painting, Portrait, Religious genre
Art style:Realism

Creators Russia

Valentin Ivanovich Kurdov (1905 - 1989)
Valentin Ivanovich Kurdov
1905 - 1989
Alexei Nikolayevich Sundukov (1952)
Alexei Nikolayevich Sundukov
1952
Konstantin Ivanovich Rudakov (1891 - 1948)
Konstantin Ivanovich Rudakov
1891 - 1948
Yuriy Sobolev (1928 - 2002)
Yuriy Sobolev
1928 - 2002
Irma Rothstein (1906 - 1971)
Irma Rothstein
1906 - 1971
Vladimir Sergeyevich Lemport (1922 - 2001)
Vladimir Sergeyevich Lemport
1922 - 2001
Ignaty Ignatyevich Nivinsky (1881 - 1933)
Ignaty Ignatyevich Nivinsky
1881 - 1933
Leonard Viktorovich Turzhansky (1875 - 1945)
Leonard Viktorovich Turzhansky
1875 - 1945
Vadim Vasilievich Elin (1939 - 2010)
Vadim Vasilievich Elin
1939 - 2010
Nikolay Petrovich Bogdanov-Belsky (1868 - 1945)
Nikolay Petrovich Bogdanov-Belsky
1868 - 1945
Vasily Vasilievich Vereshchagin (1842 - 1904)
Vasily Vasilievich Vereshchagin
1842 - 1904
Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov (1862 - 1942)
Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov
1862 - 1942
Konstantin Konstantinovich Olimpov (1889 - 1940)
Konstantin Konstantinovich Olimpov
1889 - 1940
Marie Vassilieff (1884 - 1957)
Marie Vassilieff
1884 - 1957
Vitaly Nikolayevich Onkov (1946 - 2008)
Vitaly Nikolayevich Onkov
1946 - 2008
Pavel Osipovich Kovalevsky (1843 - 1903)
Pavel Osipovich Kovalevsky
1843 - 1903

Creators Realism

Fidelia Bridges (1834 - 1923)
Fidelia Bridges
1834 - 1923
Rene Char (1907 - 1988)
Rene Char
1907 - 1988
Johann Nepomuk Mayrhofer (1764 - 1832)
Johann Nepomuk Mayrhofer
1764 - 1832
Donald Grant (1930 - 2001)
Donald Grant
1930 - 2001
Hans Angresius (1873 - 1959)
Hans Angresius
1873 - 1959
Theodor Rocholl (1854 - 1933)
Theodor Rocholl
1854 - 1933
Erich Zimmermann (1908 - 2007)
Erich Zimmermann
1908 - 2007
Winslow Homer (1836 - 1910)
Winslow Homer
1836 - 1910
Charles Heath (1785 - 1848)
Charles Heath
1785 - 1848
Martin Trigler (1867 - 1938)
Martin Trigler
1867 - 1938
Richard Förster (1873 - 1956)
Richard Förster
1873 - 1956
Klaus von Woyski (1931 - 2017)
Klaus von Woyski
1931 - 2017
Otto Sonnleitner (1906 - 1985)
Otto Sonnleitner
1906 - 1985
Rudolf Reschreiter (1868 - 1939)
Rudolf Reschreiter
1868 - 1939
Tadeusz Gorecki (1825 - 1868)
Tadeusz Gorecki
1825 - 1868
George De Forest Brush (1855 - 1941)
George De Forest Brush
1855 - 1941
× Create a Search Subscription