A large-scale exhibition of one of the most vivid artists of the Silver Age, Konstantin Somov, opens in St. Petersburg

A large-scale exhibition of one of the most vivid artists of the Silver Age, Konstantin Somov, opens in St. Petersburg
14 March 2017, Tuesday

March 24, 2017 in St. Petersburg in KGallery will open a large-scale exhibition of one of the most outstanding artists of the Silver Age Konstantin Somov (1869-1939). Over eighty scenic and graphic works, porcelain compositions, book graphics from museum and private collections for the first time in fifty years will be collected in one place.


Particular attention in the exposition will be given to a unique, previously not shown to a wide audience photo archive, provided by the artist's family KGallery.


Representative of art association "World of Art", a decadent and a dandy, Somov all his life was dissatisfied with himself, honed his talent and sought perfection. Like many members of the "World of Art" society, the artist often turned to images of the past, created exquisite paintings from the XVIII century. His fate is typical enough for Russian emigrants of the 1920s, but, unlike many, Somov and far from his homeland was able to win success and prove the indisputability of his unique talent.


Konstantin Andreevich Somov was born in the family of the famous museum figure, custodian of the Hermitage AI Somov and since childhood was surrounded by art. Already in the gymnasium, Maya met and became friends with A. Benois, V. Nouvel, D. Philosov, later, together with S. Diaghilev they participated in the creation of the society and the eponymous magazine "The World of Art". He studied at I. Repin at the Academy of Arts and at the Colarossi Academy in Paris.


Somov did not only paint and graphics, he created exquisite porcelain compositions, his work as a book graphic is highly valued. One of the most famous works of Somov were erotic illustrations for the courtly collection "The Book of the Marquis".


The first personal exhibition of Somov was held in St. Petersburg in 1903. In 1923 he went to America as an authorized representative of the "Russian Exhibition" and did not return to Russia any more. Since 1925, he lived in France, where he created a series of provocative works that glorify the beauty of the young body.


The last retrospective exhibitions of the artist were held in 1969-1971 and were timed to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the master. Since then, there have been no personal exhibitions in Russia. In 2006 and 2007, the work of Konstantin Somov set records at the auction of Russian art Christie's in London. The work of the artist "Rainbow" was sold for 7.433 million dollars.


The exposition will include works from the collections of the State Russian Museum, the St. Petersburg State Museum of Theater and Music Arts, the Museum-Apartment named after. I. Brodsky, the Anna Akhmatova Museum in the Fountain House, as well as several dozen private foreign and Russian collections. An illustrated catalog with a number of scientific articles of leading experts in Russian art of the early 20th century will be prepared for the exhibition.
 

24 March-14 May 2017
KGallery, St. Petersburg, nab. The Fontanka River, 24

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