The creative method used by the artist Valentin Serov when creating portraits of Russian musical figures

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the study of the creative approach of Valentin Serov when painting portraits of his parents – famous Russian musical figures in the 19th century. Though the heritage of the artist has been sufficiently studied, there is a need to broaden the knowledge of Serov’s portraits of the Russian composers. The article analyses the art and picturesque means of the creative method used by the artist. The phenomenon of individual working techniques and intense, meaningful, deep penetration into a particular image to create a “vital truth” portrait is considered. Portrait, theatrical and decorative art by Serov was always associated with the role of musical culture in the biography of the artist. Serov’s musical and artistic background influenced the characteristic style and composition solutions. The portraits of Alexander Serov and Valentina Serova were created in an unusual manner, without specific, personal cooperation, communication and feedback from the model. Only a few pencil drawings of Valentina Serova created a sense of the artist’s inner penetration into the image. There was an objective explanation of these reasons: his father’s portrait was painted from memory and he spent too little time with his mother who served music education in Russia.