Artwork
Portrait of D. A. Furmanov
Portrait of D. A. Furmanov is an unspecified painting by the Russian Icon artist Sergey Malyutin. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery. Portrait of D.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of D. A. Furmanov is a 1922 painting by Sergey Malyutin, housed in the State Tretyakov Gallery. It depicts Dmitry Furmanov, a notable Soviet writer and Civil War participant, in a military uniform with a red ribbon and pen, set against a dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Furmanov as an embodiment of the 'new Soviet man', an intellectual and humanist inheriting progressive pre-revolutionary cultural values. His attire and accessories symbolize his dual role as a writer and a revolutionary.
Technique & Style
Malyutin's work blends traditional realist techniques from pre-revolutionary Russia with innovative, poetic elements, laying groundwork for a new artistic direction. The composition's somber tone and contrast highlight the subject's introspective demeanor.
History & Provenance
Created in 1922, the painting is Malyutin's most renowned work. It has been part of the State Tretyakov Gallery's collection, with art historians like I. Ilyushin, Dmitry Sarabyanov, and Valentina Knyazeva analyzing its significance in the development of Soviet art.
Context
Emerging from the post-Civil War era, the portrait reflects the Soviet Union's early efforts to define its cultural and intellectual identity. It balances traditional artistic methods with the emerging ideals of the new regime.
Legacy
Regarded as a pivotal example of Soviet portrait painting, the work influenced the development of socialist realism. Art historians note its dual role as both a product of its time and a foundation for future artistic movements in the USSR.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sergey Vasilyevich Malyutin (Russian: Сергей Васильевич Малютин; 4 October 1859 – 6 December 1937) was a Russian painter of fine crafts, (scenic) designer, illustrator and architect; initially associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement.
