Konstantin Korovin: Master of Russian Impressionism

Korovin gained fame as a landscape painter, portraitist, and theater designer. His works, such as Portrait of a Chorus Girl (1887), are considered early examples of Russian Impressionism, while landscapes like Paris. Boulevard des Capucines (1902, 1906, 1911) and Sevastopol in Winter (1916) capture the lively atmosphere of urban life and nature. He also designed sets for theaters, including the Mariinsky and Bolshoi, as well as for the famous ballet Scheherazade (1910). His love for Paris was reflected in a series of cityscapes, earning him the French Legion of Honor.

After the October Revolution, Korovin played an active role in preserving cultural heritage, organizing exhibitions, and teaching. In 1923, on the advice of Anatoly Lunacharsky, he emigrated to France, where he continued to create despite personal hardships, including the illness of his wife and son. His later works, such as Bridge in Saint-Cloud (1936), retained his optimism and pursuit of beauty. Korovin was also a talented writer, leaving behind memoirs and stories that shared his reflections on life and art.

Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin:
• Lifespan: December 5, 1861 – September 11, 1939
• Origin: Born in Moscow to a first-guild merchant family, grandson of an Old Believer; spent childhood in his grandfather Mikhail Korovin’s mansion.
• Family Circumstances: His family went bankrupt, and his father died by suicide. His elder brother, Sergei Korovin, also became an artist.
• Education: Studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture under A.K. Savrasov, V.D. Polenov, and others.
• Founder of Russian Impressionism: His painting Portrait of a Chorus Girl (1887) is considered the “first swallow” of Russian Impressionism. Korovin independently developed this style before his trips to France.
• Theater Designer: Created set and costume designs for operas and plays, as well as pavilions for exhibitions in Russia and abroad, including the Paris World’s Fair (1900).
• Traveler: Extensively traveled across Russia (the North, Crimea, Caucasus, Central Asia) and Europe, inspiring cycles of paintings such as Russian North, Russian South, and Paris.
• Paris Period: Achieved success in Paris, was awarded the Legion of Honor, and received several medals for his works.
• Writer: In his later years, he turned to literature, writing over 360 stories, essays, and memoirs, including a book about F.I. Chaliapin.
• Personal Tragedy: His younger son became disabled after an accident, deeply affecting the artist. In Crimea, where Korovin built a villa, he sought solace and inspiration.
• Artistic Legacy: Korovin’s paintings are held in major museums worldwide, including the Hermitage, Tretyakov Gallery, and the Louvre.

• Fact: Korovin was an innovator not only in painting but also in theater arts, and his vibrant palette and joyful subjects became a symbol of the beauty and joy of life in Russian art of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Exhibitions of Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin’s Works Over the Past 100 Years:

• 1900 — Paris World’s Fair: Korovin created a series of monumental panels for the Russian Pavilion, which received high awards and were later exhibited at the Mir Iskusstva (World of Art) exhibition in St. Petersburg (1901).
• 1986 — Russian Museum, St. Petersburg: A major retrospective covering all stages of the artist’s career.
• 2012 — Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow (Krymsky Val): A large-scale retrospective featuring 240 works from 46 museums in Russia and abroad, showcasing pieces from early Impressionism to mature works.
• 2020−2021 — Museum of Russian Impressionism, Moscow: Featured iconic works Yalta at Night (1905) and At the Window (1919) as part of the project Russian Impressionism from Regional Museums.
• 2021−2022 — Yaroslavl Art Museum: Exhibition marking the artist’s 160th anniversary, presenting works from the Russian Museum’s collection.
• 2022−2023 — House of Russian Diaspora, Moscow: Exhibition Konstantin Korovin and His Circle, dedicated to the artist’s life and work in emigration and his entourage.
• 2025 — Russian Museum, St. Petersburg: The largest exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of Korovin’s birth, featuring around 250 works from 15 Russian museums, including unique panels from the 1900 Paris World’s Fair, theatrical and graphic works, rare photographs, and documents.
Summary:

• Korovin’s works are regularly showcased at major exhibitions in Russia and worldwide, including anniversary retrospectives and thematic projects focused on Russian Impressionism, theatrical, and monumental art. His oeuvre consistently captivates both the general public and experts, with exhibitions held at leading art museums.

• Korovin was the first to establish the sketch as an independent art form, expanding the boundaries of creative self-expression, which remains relevant for contemporary artists.
• His innovations in theatrical scenography and the synthesis of arts made him a model for today’s interdisciplinary projects.
• Korovin believed in the transformative power of art to heal emotional wounds and bring happiness, a value particularly significant in times of social and personal upheaval.

• • His vibrant palette, free painting style, and pursuit of capturing fleeting impressions inspire a new generation of artists and viewers to seek beauty in everyday life.

Korovin remains a symbol of artistic freedom, optimism, and belief in the spiritual purpose of art, making his legacy highly relevant today.