E. Martynov - the famous somovskaya "Lady in Blue"
Konstantin Andreevich Somov
Lady in Blue (Portrait of the artist EM Martynova) [1897-1900]
Oil on canvas. 103x103 cm
The State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow
"SOMOVSKAYA" SPADES
In the late 1890's, Somov began a portrait of the artist EM Martynova, better known in the history of art as "Lady in Blue" (1897-1900). EM Martynov, Luba classmate at the Academy of Arts, lived a short life. Hope its success, happiness, recognition is not fulfilled. She died at 36 years of age from lung disease. Somov created several of her portraits: pencil, watercolor and oil, but "Lady in Blue" became a symbol of the era. Figure EM Martynova given closeup on a background of deep green bush, behind which overlooks the alley of the park. Deep seated gentleman and a lady, and passes by, leaning on a cane, thoughtful gentleman, in which researchers found a similarity with the artist himself. His pale face "Ladies in Blue", her bare shoulders and breast, bright blue with a subtle white lace outfit dominated the background of dark foliage, a beautiful young face infinitely sad, it feels pain, hopeless grief. The artist created an image synthesis: personal experiences, EM Martynova he gave symbolic meaning broken and drama characteristic of the society at the turn of the century. He himself was pleased with the portrait. "
Materials site:
www.art-catalog.ru