Description of the picture:
The province of the 1830s is Mstislav Valeryanovich Dobuzhinsky. 1907. Cardboard, pencil, gouache, watercolor, white. 60×83.5
Mstislav Valeryanovich Dobuzhinsky (1875-1957) – one of the most outstanding artists of the early twentieth century, who worked mainly in the technique of graphics. His work, like the rest of the participants in the Art World art association, is dedicated to the charm of the aesthetics and atmosphere of past eras.
“Province of the 18Z0s” captures the view of the artist, touched by the everyday life of the Russian town more than half a century ago. The “sharpness” of the image with the deliberate placement of the column almost in the center of the composition contributes to the perception of what is happening as a randomly seen frame of the film. The absence of the main character and the plotlessness of the picture is a kind of artist’s game with the vain expectations of the viewer. The rickety houses, domes of ancient churches and the city sleeping at his post – this is the view of the main square of the city. The hustle and bustle of ladies, apparently hurrying to the fashionista for new outfits, was almost caricatured by Dobuzhinsky. The work is permeated by the mood of the artist’s innocuous kindness. The bright color of the work makes it look like a postcard so popular at the turn of the century."
