Russian Paintings

Paintings in particular have been an important part of Russian culture as well as any other form of art around the world. With Christianization and the development of temple architecture, the Byzantine painting was brought to Russia in the 10th century. Many Russian artists have explored to portray the nation's distinctive cultural differences through a variety of paintings. Bidsquare presents Russian paintings that span the entire history of Russian art, from icons of the 16th century to 19th-century old masters, dissident art from the Soviet era to contemporary art.

Temple Painting

Temple paintings were marked by spirituality and canonical observances. The idea of spirituality over flesh needed to be expressed with expressive imagery. Russian paintings show a great diversity of styles, subjects, and techniques, and were influenced by the icon style that was rooted in religion.  An icon is a devotional painting of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, and the saints. Perhaps the most renowned Russian icon is Trinity by Andrei Rublev.

Western Influence 

For many centuries, Russian art was dominated by religious art. As a result of Tsar Peter the Great opening the door to Europe, Russian artists came under the influence of western art schools. This provided an unforeseen variety of images and themes for the art of painting. Apparently, portrait painting was the most fascinating area of decorative arts that was followed by landscape painting. As Neoclassicism was the dominant style in Europe at the time, many of Neoclassicism, as it was the 18th and early 19th centuries reflect its characteristics. 

It was in the second half of the 19th-century that Russian art went through a transformation, as artists rejected the restrictive rules and subject matter imposed by academic and Neoclassical art. Russian artists began to break with this tradition, believing that art should be useful, a vehicle for expressing humanitarian and social ideals. The Russian art scene was dominated for many years by Realism, one of the most popular styles of painting. With the Realistic movement, artists decided to depict people and circumstances of the present with uncompromising truth and accuracy.

Russian Modernism
During the early 20th century, Russian modernism emerged with a wide range of styles and trends such as fauvism, cubism, suprematism, futurism, and so on. Modernism was characterized by its rejection of traditional arts, becoming more experimental and avant-garde. It was not only nature images that were important, but also paintings that showed how nature relates to the subtlest movements of our souls. 

There is a universal recognition for the achievements of Russian art schools. All major museums of the world hold work by Russian artists from the past century as well as today's generation. Russian paintings for sale at the Bidsquare online auction bring together sellers, collectors, and art lovers interested in Russian art and who want to enjoy, purchase, and learn more about it.

Quick Facts about Russian Paintings

• Suprematism, a movement considered one of the most influential during the 20th century, was developed by Kazimir Malevich in response to Rayonism. 
• Constructivism, which originated in Russia, is among the most influential art movements of the 20th century.