1879
oil on canvas
97 x 181

Kuindzhi continued the traditions of the Russian Romantic landscape. The artist preferred nature in a dramatic state with impressive combinations of light and colour. Birch Grove brilliantly demonstrates the artistic principles of the artist. The painting was done virtually in greens alone and is built on a harsh contrast of sunny spots in the centre and thick shade in the background. The forced contrast of chiaroscuro allows the artist to achieve an impression of blindingly bright sunlight. The symmetrical composition (a stream practically divides it in half) and the precisely determined special planes give rise to the effect of a skillfully composed view: Kuindzhi worked from memory and did not use etudes done in the open air.

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 21