Konstantin Andreevic Somov Paintings

Konstantin Andreevich Somov was a Russian artist associated with the Mir iskusstva (World of Art) movement, an influential art group that contributed significantly to the aesthetics of Russian symbolism and Art Nouveau. Born on November 30, 1869, in St. Petersburg, Russia, into an intellectual and artistic family, his father was a noted musicologist and his mother was a pianist, which perhaps influenced his inclination towards the arts from an early age. Somov studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts under Ilya Repin and later in Paris at the Académie Colarossi. His education and exposure to European art traditions played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic style.

Somov's work is characterized by its delicate, refined, and often whimsical portrayal of scenes from the 18th century, which he admired for its elegance and grace. He was a master of watercolors and known for his landscapes and illustrations, as well as for his portraits of contemporaries, including poets and writers who were part of his social circle. Somov's art often featured a nostalgic and romanticized view of aristocratic life, which stood in contrast to the social and political turmoil present in Russia during his lifetime.

In addition to his career as a painter, Somov was also a respected graphic artist, book illustrator, and designer. He contributed illustrations to various publications, including the luxurious art magazine Mir iskusstva, which he co-founded. His illustrations for the works of Alexander Pushkin and other Russian literary figures are celebrated for their intricate detail and beauty.

After the Russian Revolution, Somov emigrated to the United States, and later, in 1923, he settled in Paris, where he spent the rest of his life. During his time in emigration, he continued to work and exhibit, although he never achieved the same level of success that he had in Russia. Nonetheless, his work was recognized and admired by the emigre community, and he remained an influential figure for Russian artists in exile.

Konstantin Somov passed away on May 6, 1939, in Paris. His legacy is preserved through his contributions to the World of Art movement and his meticulous, poetic depictions of bygone eras, which continue to be appreciated by art lovers and collectors around the world.