Deaths on May 6

Konstantin Somov, Russian-French painter and illustrator (b. 1869)

Konstantin Andreyevich Somov (Russian: Константин Андреевич Сомов; November 30, 1869 – May 6, 1939) was a prominent Russian artist whose elegant and often melancholic works became emblematic of the "Silver Age" of Russian culture. A master of portraiture, genre scenes, and rococo-inspired fantasies, Somov is perhaps best known for his integral role within the influential "Mir iskusstva" (World of Art) movement, a collective that profoundly shaped the artistic landscape of early 20th-century Russia.

Born into a highly cultured family in St. Petersburg, Somov's destiny seemed intertwined with art from an early age. His father, Andrey Ivanovich Somov, was a respected art historian and senior curator at the Imperial Hermitage Museum, providing Konstantin with an unparalleled upbringing steeped in artistic knowledge and access to masterpieces. This early exposure fostered a deep appreciation for classical art and various historical styles. He pursued formal artistic training at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg from 1888 to 1897, where he studied under the renowned realist painter Ilya Repin. It was during these formative years that Somov forged crucial friendships with future luminaries of Russian art and theatre, including Alexandre Benois, Léon Bakst, and Serge Diaghilev, who would together challenge the prevailing artistic norms of their time.

The "Mir iskusstva" Movement and Somov's Role

The "Mir iskusstva" (World of Art) was not merely an artistic group but a vibrant cultural movement that emerged in St. Petersburg at the turn of the 20th century, founded by Somov's close associates, Diaghilev, Benois, and Bakst. Officially established in 1898, the movement advocated for "art for art's sake," rejecting the didacticism and social commentary often found in the works of the "Peredvizhniki" (Wanderers) and the perceived conservatism of the Imperial Academy. Instead, "Mir iskusstva" championed aesthetic beauty, historical revivalism, and the synthesis of various art forms. Somov became a foundational member and a regular contributor to their influential magazine and exhibitions.

The group drew inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including Symbolism, Art Nouveau, and the decorative arts, alongside a nostalgic appreciation for the elegance of 18th-century Rococo and Baroque styles. They sought to rejuvenate Russian art by promoting exquisite craftsmanship, sophisticated design, and a return to the imaginative and spiritual dimensions of artistic expression. Somov's delicate, often theatrical, and historically infused canvases perfectly encapsulated the "Mir iskusstva" aesthetic, earning him a central place in the movement's pantheon.

Artistic Style and Enduring Themes

Konstantin Somov's unique artistic vision is characterized by an exquisite blend of decorative flair, psychological depth, and a distinctive melancholic beauty. His work often evokes a fin-de-siècle atmosphere, imbued with a sense of fleeting pleasures, elegant decay, and a subtle eroticism. He was a master of various media, excelling in oil, watercolor, and gouache, often employing delicate lines, vibrant yet often subdued color palettes, and meticulous attention to detail.

Key Characteristics of Somov's Art:

• Portraits: Somov was a highly sought-after portraitist, capturing the intellectual and artistic elite of his era with remarkable insight. His portraits, such as those of the poet Alexander Blok or Mikhail Kuzmin, transcend mere likeness, often revealing the inner lives and complex personalities of his sitters.
• Rococo Revivals and Genre Scenes: Fascinated by the 18th century, Somov frequently depicted scenes reminiscent of the Rococo period – masked balls, costumed figures in park settings, and elegant dalliances. These works, like "The Lady in Blue" or "The Kiss," are not simply historical pastiches but often infused with a contemporary sensibility, a hint of theatricality, and a touch of wistful irony.
• Eroticism and Symbolism: A vein of sensuality and often thinly veiled eroticism runs through much of his work, explored with subtlety and refinement rather than overt display. Combined with symbolic elements, these works often create a dreamlike, suggestive atmosphere.
• Theatricality and Fantasy: Many of Somov's compositions possess a distinctly theatrical quality, as if lifted from a stage production or a masquerade. This reflects the "Mir iskusstva" group's broader engagement with theatre and ballet, particularly their collaboration with the Ballets Russes.
• Landscapes and Still Lifes: While less numerous, his landscapes often carry the same refined melancholy, while his still lifes demonstrate his exquisite control over texture and light.

Through his art, Somov crafted a highly personal world that was both nostalgic and modern, decorative and emotionally resonant. He deftly captured the spirit of an age marked by both societal change and artistic innovation.

Later Life and Legacy

The tumultuous events of the 1917 October Revolution marked a significant turning point in Somov's life. Like many artists of his generation who thrived in the pre-revolutionary cultural milieu, he found it increasingly difficult to adapt to the new Soviet artistic doctrines. In 1925, seeking greater artistic freedom and perhaps a more familiar cultural environment, Somov emigrated from Russia and settled in Paris. He continued to paint in his characteristic style, focusing predominantly on portraits and genre scenes, albeit perhaps with less of the vibrant cultural dialogue that fueled his earlier works in St. Petersburg. He remained in Paris until his death on May 6, 1939.

Konstantin Somov's legacy endures as one of the most distinctive and beloved figures of Russian Symbolism and the "Silver Age." His works are celebrated for their exquisite craftsmanship, unique aesthetic, and profound ability to evoke a specific historical and emotional landscape. They are housed in major museums and private collections worldwide, continuing to captivate audiences with their beauty, sophistication, and timeless charm.

Frequently Asked Questions about Konstantin Somov

Who was Konstantin Somov?

Konstantin Andreyevich Somov was a celebrated Russian artist (1869-1939) renowned for his refined portraits, genre scenes, and rococo-inspired works. He was a central figure in the "Mir iskusstva" (World of Art) movement, which greatly influenced Russian art during the early 20th century.

What was the "Mir iskusstva" movement?

"Mir iskusstva" (meaning "World of Art") was an influential Russian artistic movement and magazine founded in St. Petersburg in 1898. It championed aestheticism, historical revival, and the synthesis of different art forms, opposing academic realism and promoting "art for art's sake."

What characterized Somov's artistic style?

Somov's style is often associated with Symbolism and Art Nouveau. It is characterized by delicate lines, rich yet often subdued colors, meticulous detail, a blend of sensuality and melancholy, and a theatrical quality. He frequently depicted elegant figures in historical costumes, masked balls, and intimate portraits, often with a nostalgic or wistful mood.

Did Konstantin Somov only paint portraits?

While a highly accomplished and sought-after portraitist, Somov's oeuvre was much broader. He created numerous genre scenes, often inspired by 18th-century Rococo art, mythological and allegorical compositions, landscapes, and illustrations. His portraits, however, remain among his most iconic works.

Where can one see Konstantin Somov's works today?

Konstantin Somov's paintings and graphic works are held in prestigious collections globally. Major holdings can be found in Russia at the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg and the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, as well as in various private collections and museums internationally.

When did Konstantin Somov leave Russia?

Konstantin Somov emigrated from Russia in 1925, several years after the October Revolution, eventually settling in Paris, where he continued his artistic career until his death in 1939.