Plan your visit to see Konstantin Korovin →

• What is Konstantin Korovin known for?+

  Konstantin Korovin is known for bringing French Impressionist colour to Russian painting. He is also recognised for revolutionising Russian theatre design.
• What is Konstantin Korovin's most famous work?+

  Konstantin Korovin is known for his landscape painting, cityscapes (particularly of Paris), still lifes, and theatre decoration. He studied at the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Moscow from the age of 14, first in the Architecture Department, then moving to the Painting Department. There, he studied with Alexeï Savrasov, who encouraged his students to paint outdoors. Korovin's early works included paintings of nature, such as *The Village* (1878) and *Early Spring* (1870). *Portrait of a Chorister* (1883) brought the young artist public recognition for its depiction of nature and use of luminous colours. Korovin designed the Russian pavilion for the World Fair in Paris in 1900, for which he received a gold medal and international recognition. From 1901, he taught at the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture where he had studied. His paintings include *Roses and Violets* (1912) and *Fish* (1916).
• What should I know about Konstantin Korovin's prints?+

  Konstantin Korovin (born into a shopkeeper's family) studied architecture and painting at the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Moscow. He also attended the Academy of Fine Arts of Saint Petersburg, but he left after only three months. Korovin's early paintings include landscapes such as *The Village* (1878) and *Early Spring* (1870). His *Portrait of a Chorister* (1883) brought him public recognition due to its depiction of nature. His style has been compared to Valentin Serov's. Korovin designed the Russian pavilion at the World Fair in Paris in 1900, for which he received a gold medal. This recognition led to worldwide exhibitions of his work. Colour was central to his artistic expression, whether in decorations, paintings, or theatre designs. He stated, "Colour and shape combine to reveal harmony and beauty". His preferred subjects included cities (especially Paris), landscapes, still lifes, and theatrical decor. *Roses and Violets* (1912) and *Fish* (1916) show his rich colour palette. He was influenced by Impressionism, which he encountered during his travels. From 1901, he taught at the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture.
• What style or movement did Konstantin Korovin belong to?+

  Konstantin Korovin is associated with Impressionism. He studied at the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Moscow, where he was influenced by Alexeï Savrasov's emphasis on nature painting. Korovin's early works, such as *The Village* (1878) and *Early Spring* (1870), reflect this focus. His *Portrait of a Chorister* (1883) gained public attention for its natural depiction and luminous colours, reminiscent of Valentin Serov's style. Unlike Serov, who encountered French Impressionism later in his career, Korovin was deeply influenced by it early on. His *Chorus Girl* is considered one of the first Russian Impressionist works. Korovin's Impressionistic style is evident in his use of colour. He saw colour as a primary means of expression in painting, decoration, and theatre design. His favourite subjects included landscapes, cities (especially Paris), and still lifes. *Roses and Violets* (1912) demonstrates his rich colour palette, and *Fish* (1916) shows his tangible objects with diverse colours. The influence of Impressionism is clear in his use of colour, where objects are less defined, becoming touches of light.
• What techniques or materials did Konstantin Korovin use?+

  Konstantin Korovin's painting techniques involved a variety of materials and methods. Like many artists, Korovin used natural and chemical pigments in fresco, egg tempera, watercolour and oil. Contemporary materials such as acrylics, household emulsions and mixed media were also employed. He also used brushes. Brushwork could be fine and disguised, thickly applied with a palette knife or stencilled. Some artists apply oil paint thickly in impasto or thinly in glazes. Turner, a watercolourist for ten years before using oils, developed techniques he used in oil painting. His earlier watercolours featured transparent washes over white paper, reserving highlights. Greens were achieved by mixing or overlaying washes of brown and blue. Underdrawing was minimal and free-form, transferring the mental image directly to the support. Turner experimented with diverse materials and methods, utilising new application techniques and pigments in both watercolours and oils.
• What was Konstantin Korovin known for?+

  Konstantin Korovin (1861-1939) is known for his contributions to Russian Impressionism. Early on, he studied at the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Moscow, where he was influenced by Alexeï Savrasov's emphasis on nature. Korovin's early works, such as *The Village* (1878) and *Early Spring* (1870), reflect this focus. His *Portrait of a Chorister* (1883) brought him public attention due to its naturalistic depiction and luminous colours, reminiscent of Valentin Serov's style. Korovin was also influenced by French Impressionism, as seen in his *Chorus Girl*, considered one of the first Impressionist pieces by a Russian artist. Korovin's artistic expression was rooted in colour, regardless of the medium he worked in. His preferred subjects included landscapes, cities (especially Paris), and still lifes. Examples include *Roses and Violets* (1912) and *Fish* (1916), which demonstrate his rich colour palette and Impressionistic techniques. He designed the Russian pavilion for the 1900 Paris World Fair, earning a gold medal and international acclaim. From 1901, Korovin taught at the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, where he had once been a student.
• When did Konstantin Korovin live and work?+

  Konstantin Korovin was born into a shopkeeper's family. In his early life, at the age of 14, he joined the Architecture Department of the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Moscow. After two years, he gained entry to the Department of Painting. Korovin studied with Alexeï Savrasov, who inspired his students to paint nature. Early works include *The Village* (1878) and *Early Spring* (1870). He briefly attended the Academy of Fine Arts of Saint Petersburg but left due to dissatisfaction with the teaching. He returned to Moscow and studied with Polenov. His *Portrait of a Chorister* (1883) brought him public recognition. Polenov introduced Korovin to the Abramtsevo circle, where his paintings were appreciated. A trip with Serov further influenced his colour palette, reflecting northern scenery. Korovin designed the Russian pavilion for the World Fair in Paris in 1900, receiving a gold medal. This recognition led to worldwide exhibitions of his work.
• Where can I see Konstantin Korovin's work?+

  Konstantin Korovin's paintings can be found in numerous museum collections. These include locations within Russia and abroad. Within Russia, significant holdings exist at the State Tretiakov Gallery in Moscow and the State Russian Museum in St Petersburg. Other Russian museums with his work include the Astrakhan Kustodiev Picture Gallery, the Irkutsk Regional Art Museum, and the Vasnetsov Regional Art Museum in Kirov. Outside of Russia, you can find Korovin's art at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, and the Museum Ludwig in Cologne. The Moderna Museet in Stockholm and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid also hold examples of his work. Korovin gained international attention after designing the Russian pavilion for the World Fair in Paris in 1900, where he received a gold medal. After this, his work was exhibited worldwide.
• Where was Konstantin Korovin from?+

  Konstantin Korovin was born in Moscow in 1861, into a family of shopkeepers. At the age of 14, he entered the Architecture Department of the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Moscow. By age 15, he was giving drawing lessons to help support his family. After two years, he gained admission to the Department of Painting, where he studied with Alexeï Savrasov. Savrasov believed that paintings of nature were important, and he encouraged his students to leave Moscow to observe flowers and fields. Korovin was drawn to depictions of nature early on, creating works such as *The Village* (1878) and *Early Spring* (1870). To complete his education, Korovin entered the Academy of Fine Arts of Saint Petersburg, but he left after three months because he was disappointed with the teaching methods. Upon returning to Moscow, he took courses with Polenov during his final year of studies. *Portrait of a Chorister* (1883) brought the young artist to public attention, due to its depiction of nature.
• Who did Konstantin Korovin influence?+

  Konstantin Korovin's influence can be traced through his teaching and his work in theatre design. From 1901, he taught at the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in Moscow, where he had once been a student. He instructed a large number of students, passing on his artistic ideas and techniques. Korovin's impact also extended to the realm of theatrical decor. Nikolai Sapunov and Sergei Sudeikin, both artists associated with the Blue Rose group, were admirers of Russian crafts and decorative traditions. They became known for their colourful stage designs. Their enthusiasm for folk-inspired colours and their inclusion of antique objects in still lifes reflect an interest in decorative traditions, which Korovin also explored in his own designs for the stage. Korovin's emphasis on colour as a primary means of expression, whether in painting or theatre design, also had an effect. He saw colour as a way to reveal harmony and beauty, using it to evoke joy and relaxation. His Impressionist-influenced style, with its focus on light and tangible objects, helped shape the artistic direction of some later Russian artists.
• Who influenced Konstantin Korovin?+

  Konstantin Korovin (1861-1939) entered the Architecture Department of the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Moscow at the age of 14. After two years, he moved to the Painting Department, studying with Alexeï Savrasov, who encouraged his students to paint outdoors. Korovin painted natural subjects, such as The Village (1878) and Early Spring (1870). He briefly attended the Academy of Fine Arts of Saint Petersburg, but he returned to Moscow and studied with Polenov for his final year. His Portrait of a Chorister (1883) introduced him to the public; its style has similarities to Serov. Polenov introduced Korovin to the Abramtsevo circle. Korovin's northern paintings show the influence of his travels with Serov. Later in his career, Korovin was deeply influenced by French Impressionism, as seen in his Chorus Girl, considered one of the first Impressionist works by a Russian painter. He taught at the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture from 1901 onward.
• Who was Konstantin Korovin?+

  Konstantin Korovin (1861-1939) was a Russian painter and designer, born into a family of shopkeepers. At 14, he entered the Architecture Department of the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Moscow; after two years, he switched to the Painting Department. There, he studied with Alexeï Savrasov, who encouraged his students to paint from nature. Korovin briefly attended the Academy of Fine Arts of Saint Petersburg, but he soon returned to Moscow and studied with Polenov. His 1883 painting, *Portrait of a Chorister*, brought him public recognition. He became associated with the Abramtsevo circle. Korovin was influenced by French Impressionism early in his career; his *Chorus Girl* is considered one of the first Impressionist works by a Russian painter. He designed the Russian pavilion at the Paris World Fair in 1900, winning a gold medal. From 1901, he taught at the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, where he had been a student. Korovin also designed stage sets and costumes for the Imperial Theatres in Saint Petersburg, the Bolshoi, the Moscow Arts Theatre, and Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. His favourite subjects included cities (especially Paris) and landscapes. He also painted still lifes, such as *Roses and Violets* and *Fish*.