Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin (1878 - 1939)

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin (1878 - 1939) - photo 1

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin

Kuzma Sergeyevich Petrov-Vodkin (Russian: Кузьма Сергеевич Петров-Водкин), a Russian painter, synthesized various traditions of global art, crafting a unique and deeply personal visual language. Born in 1878 in Khvalynsk, Saratov oblast, Russian Empire, Petrov-Vodkin is celebrated for his innovative approach to perspective, color, and composition, which positioned him as a pivotal figure in the art world of his time. He passed away in 1939 in Leningrad, now known as St. Petersburg, Russia.

Petrov-Vodkin's education in the arts took him from the Baron Stieglits School in Saint Petersburg to the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture, where he was mentored by notable artists such as Valentin Serov. His studies abroad, including in Munich under Anton Ažbe, further enriched his artistic development. Notably, his marriage to Maria Jovanovic in Paris in 1906 marked a significant personal chapter, providing him with a lifelong companion and collaborator.

His work is distinguished by the use of "spherical perspective," a technique that distorts the drawing to emphasize the globe's curvature, making the viewer feel simultaneously distant and intimately close to the subject. This method, influenced by Byzantine iconography's inverted perspective, is evident in works like "Death of a Commissar" and "In the Line of Fire." Petrov-Vodkin's palette darkened over time, and his subjects diversified to include still life and portraiture, reflecting a broader exploration of theme and form. Despite facing health challenges, including pulmonary tuberculosis which limited his painting in later years, he remained prolific in other creative avenues, including literature, where his semi-autobiographical works are held in high regard.

His legacy is enshrined in the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, which houses the largest collection of his works and dedicates a room to his art in their permanent exhibition. Additionally, a memorial museum in his hometown of Khvalynsk pays tribute to his contributions to Russian and Soviet art.

For collectors and art and antiques experts intrigued by Petrov-Vodkin's profound impact on Russian art, signing up for updates can ensure access to the latest sales and auction events related to his oeuvre. This subscription is a gateway to exploring the depth and breadth of Petrov-Vodkin's artistic achievements and ensuring enthusiasts are well-informed of opportunities to engage with his work​​​.

Date and place of birt:5 november 1878, Khvalynsk, Russia
Date and place of death:15 february 1939, St. Petersburg, Russia
Nationality:Russia
Period of activity: XIX, XX century
Specialization:Artist, Educator, Graphic artist, Painter, Playwright, Public figure, Scientist, Writer
Art school / group:Mir iskusstva
Genre:Genre art, Portrait, Religious genre, Still life
Art style:Realism, Avant-garde, Symbolism

Creators Russia

Konstantin Mefodievich Maximov (1913 - 1994)
Konstantin Mefodievich Maximov
1913 - 1994
Yakov Aleksandrovich Tugendkhold (Tugendhold) (1882 - 1928)
Yakov Aleksandrovich Tugendkhold (Tugendhold)
1882 - 1928
Boris Mikhailovich Lavrenko (1920 - 2001)
Boris Mikhailovich Lavrenko
1920 - 2001
Rostislav Alexandrovich Danov (1941 - 1993)
Rostislav Alexandrovich Danov
1941 - 1993
Vasily Alekseyevich Serebryakov (1810 - 1886)
Vasily Alekseyevich Serebryakov
1810 - 1886
Alexander Sergeyevich Gushchin (1902 - 1950)
Alexander Sergeyevich Gushchin
1902 - 1950
Alexander Alexandrovich Blinkov (1911 - 1995)
Alexander Alexandrovich Blinkov
1911 - 1995
Aleksandr Terent'evich Matveev (1878 - 1960)
Aleksandr Terent'evich Matveev
1878 - 1960
Nikolay Andreyevich Andreyev (1873 - 1932)
Nikolay Andreyevich Andreyev
1873 - 1932
Maksim Karlovich Kantor (1957)
Maksim Karlovich Kantor
1957
Vera Vladimirovn Khlebnikovа (1891 - 1941)
Vera Vladimirovn Khlebnikovа
1891 - 1941
Igor' Aleksandrovich Vulokh (1938 - 2012)
Igor' Aleksandrovich Vulokh
1938 - 2012
Ivan Tarasovich Sandyrev (1932 - 2002)
Ivan Tarasovich Sandyrev
1932 - 2002
Grigory Ivanovich Gurkin (1870 - 1937)
Grigory Ivanovich Gurkin
1870 - 1937
Ekaterina Sergeevna Zernova (1900 - 1995)
Ekaterina Sergeevna Zernova
1900 - 1995
Yuri Petrovich Kugach (1917 - 2013)
Yuri Petrovich Kugach
1917 - 2013

Creators Avant-garde

Manuel Muñoz y Otero (1850)
Manuel Muñoz y Otero
1850
Léon Germain Pelouse (1838 - 1891)
Léon Germain Pelouse
1838 - 1891
Heinrich Nüttgens (1866 - 1951)
Heinrich Nüttgens
1866 - 1951
Pieter van Avont (1600 - 1652)
Pieter van Avont
1600 - 1652
Reinhard Schnauder (1856 - 1923)
Reinhard Schnauder
1856 - 1923
Galina Dmitrievna Shuliak (1944 - 2021)
Galina Dmitrievna Shuliak
1944 - 2021
Roman Kazimierz Kochanowski (1857 - 1945)
Roman Kazimierz Kochanowski
1857 - 1945
Joseph Gastetón (1865 - XX century)
Joseph Gastetón
1865 - XX century
Adolf Frey-Moock (1881 - 1954)
Adolf Frey-Moock
1881 - 1954
François-Gabriel Lépaulle (1804 - 1886)
François-Gabriel Lépaulle
1804 - 1886
Norman Garstin (1847 - 1926)
Norman Garstin
1847 - 1926
Theodor Wilhelm Schäkel (1870 - 1942)
Theodor Wilhelm Schäkel
1870 - 1942
Carl Milton Jensen (1855 - 1928)
Carl Milton Jensen
1855 - 1928
Matteo Bottiglieri (1684 - 1757)
Matteo Bottiglieri
1684 - 1757
Edgar Maxence (1871 - 1954)
Edgar Maxence
1871 - 1954
Julius Paulsen (1860 - 1940)
Julius Paulsen
1860 - 1940
× Create a Search Subscription