Paper lanterns. 1898 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)
Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin – Paper lanterns. 1898
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Painter: Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin
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Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin was born into the family of a wealthy Moscow merchant. He entered the Moscow School of Painting at the age of fourteen, and later tried to study at the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, but did not finish it - he did not like the methods of teaching. In addition to being an active artist, Konstantin Alekseevich worked in the theater. On his account as numerous scenery for various plays, and sketches for stage costumes. Passion for the decorative arts and affected the painting - many of his paintings the author did "flat", deprived of volume.
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Description of the painting "Paper Lanterns" by Konstantin Korovin
Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin was born into the family of a wealthy Moscow merchant. He entered the Moscow School of Painting at the age of fourteen, and later tried to study at the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, but did not finish it - he did not like the methods of teaching. In addition to being an active artist, Konstantin Alekseevich worked in the theater. On his account as numerous scenery for various plays, and sketches for stage costumes.
Passion for the decorative arts and affected the painting - many of his paintings the author did "flat", deprived of volume. A trip to Paris had a great influence on Korovin’s work. In this city, he became acquainted with the works of the Impressionists and Symbolists.
The painting "Paper Lanterns" stands out among other works of the artist deliberately bright, colorful and juicy, enhanced contrast. The canvas is elongated in height that allows to comfortably place the human figure on it without littering the space with extra details. The canvas depicts a young woman in a bright red blouse and a long dark skirt falling in loose folds.
Anna Yakovlevna, Konstantin Alekseevich’s future wife, was the model. Tall and elegant, the heroine lights colorful Chinese lanterns. Blue, orange and crimson, and pink - each lantern has its own, unique color. It seems as if the artist purposely tried to collect in a single picture as many different and contrasting colors as possible. Together with rich scarlet glitter of satin jacket lanterns create a deliberate contrast to the calm light of the dusky sky in the background and dark green leaves forming a cold shadow. Emphasically decorative, this work also has clear references to Korovin’s stage scenery.
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The title Paper Lanterns and the date 1898 hint at the influence of Japonisme, a Western artistic and cultural fascination with Japan that was popular in the late 19th century. The lanterns themselves, with their intricate patterns, suggest an exotic and perhaps festive or celebratory atmosphere. The womans attire, particularly the puffed sleeves of her red blouse and the delicate white bonnet, places the scene within a European context of the period.
The subtext could involve several interpretations. The juxtaposition of Western fashion with Eastern decorative elements might imply a cultural exchange or curiosity. The lit lantern held by the woman could symbolize illumination, hope, or a personal moment of reflection or entertainment. The presence of unlit lanterns at her feet might suggest anticipation for an event or a sense of potential yet to be realized. The overall mood is somewhat enigmatic, inviting viewers to ponder the womans thoughts and the significance of the lanterns in her life.