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

Matvey Fedorovich Kazakov (1738 - 1812)
Matvey Fedorovich Kazakov
1738 - 1812
Ivan Petrovich Pozhalostin (1837 - 1909)
Ivan Petrovich Pozhalostin
1837 - 1909
Pavel Petrovich Benkov (1879 - 1949)
Pavel Petrovich Benkov
1879 - 1949
Nina Ilinichna Niss-Goldman (1892 - 1990)
Nina Ilinichna Niss-Goldman
1892 - 1990
Andrei Petrovich Ryabushkin (1861 - 1904)
Andrei Petrovich Ryabushkin
1861 - 1904
Michael Vasilyevich Matyushin (1861 - 1934)
Michael Vasilyevich Matyushin
1861 - 1934
Nicolas de Staël (1914 - 1955)
Nicolas de Staël
1914 - 1955
Nikolay Nikolaevich Karazin (1842 - 1909)
Nikolay Nikolaevich Karazin
1842 - 1909
Vasily Nikitich Meshkov (1867 - 1946)
Vasily Nikitich Meshkov
1867 - 1946
Mikhail Andreevich Kopylkov (1946)
Mikhail Andreevich Kopylkov
1946
Adolphe (Aizik) Féder (1886 - 1943)
Adolphe (Aizik) Féder
1886 - 1943
Ivan Vasil'evich Sorokin (1922 - 2004)
Ivan Vasil'evich Sorokin
1922 - 2004
Boris Petrovich Sveshnikov (1927 - 1998)
Boris Petrovich Sveshnikov
1927 - 1998
Fyodor Fyodorovich Buchholz (1857 - 1942)
Fyodor Fyodorovich Buchholz
1857 - 1942
Mikhail Fyodorovich Larionov (1881 - 1964)
Mikhail Fyodorovich Larionov
1881 - 1964
Konstantin Medunetsky (1899 - 1935)
Konstantin Medunetsky
1899 - 1935

Creators Avant-garde

Peter Keetman (1916 - 2005)
Peter Keetman
1916 - 2005
Heinz Schrand (1926 - 2017)
Heinz Schrand
1926 - 2017
Fritz Behn (1878 - 1970)
Fritz Behn
1878 - 1970
Alexey Gavrilovich Venetsianov (1780 - 1847)
Alexey Gavrilovich Venetsianov
1780 - 1847
Louis Le Breton (1818 - 1866)
Louis Le Breton
1818 - 1866
Winslow Homer (1836 - 1910)
Winslow Homer
1836 - 1910
Ansel Easton Adams (1902 - 1984)
Ansel Easton Adams
1902 - 1984
Georg Loring Brown (1814 - 1889)
Georg Loring Brown
1814 - 1889
Avigdor Arikha (1929 - 2010)
Avigdor Arikha
1929 - 2010
Federico Cortese (1829 - 1913)
Federico Cortese
1829 - 1913
Edward Borein (1872 - 1945)
Edward Borein
1872 - 1945
Arthur Adamov (1908 - 1970)
Arthur Adamov
1908 - 1970
Siegmund Dux (1826 - 1900)
Siegmund Dux
1826 - 1900
Thérèse Schwartze (1851 - 1918)
Thérèse Schwartze
1851 - 1918
Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier (1815 - 1891)
Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier
1815 - 1891
Vladimir Alexandrovich Gorb (1903 - 1988)
Vladimir Alexandrovich Gorb
1903 - 1988
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