Signed lower left "M. Kirsanov" for Michail Gerasimovich Kirsanov (1889-1958), renowned professional Russian painter, pupil of Viktor Vasnetsov (1848 - 1926). In this artwork, Kirsanov captures with remarkable skill and depth a pivotal moment in Russian history. The painting depicts a lively village scene, filled with energy and life, as villagers partake in intense discussions, likely related to news from the frontlines of World War I or the growing collective farm movement. Through Kirsanov's adept hand, the viewer is transported to a time of great turmoil and transition in Russian society, where the old ways are giving way to the new. Observing the artist's bold and confident brushstrokes in this sketch (typical of plein air studies), one is immediately struck by the level of his skill and talent. Such mastery of technique allows Kirsanov to capture the essence of what is happening with incredible accuracy, thereby “revitalizing” the characters on the canvas. The scarcity of Kirsanov's artworks in the international art market only emphasizes the uniqueness and allure of this painting. Antique oil painting on sturdy artistic paperboard, signed, framed.
Size app.: 53 x 81 cm (roughly 20.9 x 31.9 in), frame is 57.5 x 86 cm (roughly 22.6 x 33.9 in). Overall in quite good condition with age wear, damages and losses. Please study good resolution images for cosmetic condition. In person actual painting may appear darker or brighter than in our pictures, strictly depending on sufficient light in your environment. Weight of app. 2 kg is going to measure 5 kg packed for shipment.
The sixteen-year-old painter went to Moscow, where he first got a job in the workshop of the “icon artist” V.P. Guryanov on Rogozhskaya. After working there for several months, Kirsanov decided to turn to V.M. Vasnetsov. After looking at the drawings Kirsanov, the Vasnetsov gave recommendations for enrollment in the School of Painting and Sculpture. In 1906, Kirsanov successfully passed the exam at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture and studied there until 1912 with A. M. Vasnetsov, A. M. Korin and K. A. Korovin; attended the portrait class of V. A. Serov; received a scholarship paid by P. M. Tretyakov. After graduating from college, having received the title of artist of the first degree, Kirsanov settled in St. Petersburg, where in 1912–1914 he was a member of the City Artistic Association, which arose on the initiative of art school students with the goal of uniting young artist. In 1914, on the recommendation of V. M. Vasnetsov, the painter was invited as a full-time artist to the Ministry of the Court and was introduced to the imperial family. Since 1914, Mikhail Kirsanov’s activities were associated with the creation of a temple in Tsarskoye Selo in honor of the icon of the Theodore Mother of God. According to contemporaries, the empress and her daughters treated the master very warmly, who remained a court painter until 1917. Thanks to the position of full-time artist of the Ministry of the Court, M. G. Kirsanov had the honor of working with outstanding artists of his time…
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