After emigrating, the painter and graphic artist Konstantin Ivanovich Gorbatov gained recognition in Europe but undeservedly faded into obscurity for a long time in his native country. The artist is known for his light and heartfelt paintings about the idealized Russia which remained in his heart forever: he did not feel connected to the Soviet Union which he left in 1922.

Konstantin Gorbatov was born in the city of Stavropol (nowadays known as Togliatti), Samara Governorate in 1876. He graduated from the Baron Stieglitz School of Art in Saint Petersburg and continued his training at the Imperial Academy of Arts, in art studios and workshops.

Successful solo exhibitions of the emigrant artist were held throughout Europe: his paintings of the bygone country fit the idealized image of Russia. Charming and fairytale-like landscapes, Kitezh legends, and churches untouched by the Bolsheviks — all these subjects agitated the souls of his compatriots who found themselves in exile. Touching and somewhat naive landscapes reflected the longing for a life lost forever. Filled with his romantic worldview, Gorbatov’s paintings did not depict specific places but rather represented a collective image of a Russian city on the river. The artist explained,

Konstantin Gorbatov dedicated many of his works — about 30 paintings — to Pskov. He painted “Pskov. Early Snow” in 1922. The artist depicted the city in late fall. The first snow has fallen, but the trees are still yellow. Footpaths can be seen on the light melting snow. Well-built stone houses, cozy smoke of stoves, and two women slowly walking along the street — everything speaks of the unhurried pace of provincial life. The quiet river reflects the gray sky which is in contrast with the yellow melting snow. In the distance, on the other side of the river, two churches can be seen among the trees.

The last years of Konstantin Gorbatov’s life were the most tragic ones. By the end of the Great Patriotic War, the artist lived in Berlin in terrible poverty. In 1945, Konstantin Gorbatov died, bequeathing all his works to the Academy of Arts in Leningrad in gratitude for his knowledge.