Arkhip Kuindzhi (1842, Mariupol). In Russia and Ukraine, this name is probably known to everyone, but outside these countries, almost no one knows him. Meanwhile, he left a very interesting mark in history.
I remember “Moonlit Night on the Dnieper” well in the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg. It should be noted immediately that the painting has darkened significantly over time. It creates a complex impression — the colors seem almost luminescent (but they’re not). Printed reproductions, photographs, and online images fail to convey the magic of this painting. Anyone who has been to the museum and seen it with their own eyes will confirm this 🙂 What also deserves special attention is how Kuindzhi showcased the painting. The canvas was displayed in a darkened room, with walls draped in dark fabric, and it was impossible to approach the painting closely. Light was directed onto the work in such a way that it reflected off the canvas at a certain angle, making the thickest areas of paint gleam as if they were burning from within. It created the impression that the viewer was not looking at a painting but through a window.
It is curious how Kuindzhi depicts moonlit nights in other nocturnes. He does not paint the moon itself. It is located outside the canvas — behind the viewer. Although the moon itself is not visible, the light makes it clear that it is a full moon. Kuindzhi aimed to convey how moonlight reflects off different surfaces, and he succeeded in doing so.
In 1882, at the peak of his success and popularity, Arkhip secluded himself in his studio and did not allow any visitors. His further creative life became a mystery to everyone. Admirers and critics began to believe that Kuindzhi had exhausted himself. But he continued to create; he simply did not want to show his works to people. The artist’s seclusion ended in 1901, almost twenty years later, when Kuindzhi reminded everyone of his existence. He showed his students and friends four paintings, and later, other works became known as well.
I remind you that such posts are grouped under the tag #artrauflikes, and on beinginamerica.com in the “Art Rauf Likes” section, all 57 (as of now) are available (unlike on Facebook, which forgets (ignores) almost half). Very likely the posts are available on raufaliev.com as well — the migration is in progress.
Hi, I'm Rauf Aliev. 