Painting. Russian artists. Pavel Fedotov

One of the forerunners of Realist painting in Russia was Pavel Fedotov. Fedotov was a great master of genre painting. He elevated the household theme to the level of drama. He was at his best in portraits and moralistic cycles, as he saw his mission in raising the moral of the people by unmasking the vices of the society in his works of art.

The son of a soldier, Fedotov was an officer in the Body Guard Finnish Regiment. In his free time he was drawing. At the end of 1834 he started to attend evening classes of the Academy of Arts. Ivan Krylov, the famous fable-teller, who appreciated the artist's talent said that he should "devote himself to the depiction of the people's life". Bryullov also gave his endorsement of Fedotov's paintings. At the end of 1843 Fedotov retired from the army and devoted his life to painting which, however, did not make him rich. His last years were marked by extreme poverty. Fedotov died in 1852 in a psychiatric hospital.

Fedotov was a prolific painter. For nine years he created a great number of perfect works of art, such as A Newly Awarded Cavalry Officer, The Fastidious Bride, The Aristocrat's Breakfast, two versions of the Mayor's Proposal, three versions of The Young Widow, The Gamblers, and Encore, Once more Encore. Fedotov also made portraits, water-colours and drawings. He worked very hard. Every picture was preceded by long and thorough work with a model. The details in his paintings are meaningful.

Fedotov artistic heritage is great. It can be regarded as an important stage in the history of Russian painting. Vladimir Stasov wrote that Fedotov died, having brought to light only a kernel of wealth with which his nature was gifted. It was pure gold and later gave great fruit.

The movement initiated by Fedotov soon became known as Critical Realism. It laid the foundation for the democratic painting of the Wanderers in the second half of the ninetieth century.
 

Literature: Book "Russian art" A.P. Minyar-Belorucheva