The first third of the 19th century in Russian painting was marked by the amazing combination of two main styles: classicism and romanticism. The picturesque landmarks set by the Academy of Arts filled Russian art with works on historical and ancient subjects, battle and mythological scenes. The artistic taste of the painters had to meet the postulates of classicism.
In addition, in the first third of the 19th century, the field of archeology experienced a new rise. Specialized museums were being established in Russia, and the antique theme received a new development also in the works of artists.
The most famous and most significant painting by the artist Pyotr Basin ‘Socrates defending Alcibiades at the Battle of Potidae’ depicts an ancient scene of the battle of ancient Greek soldiers during the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. The work was created in the years 1826-1828. After a successful display in Rome, the painting was sent to St. Petersburg by ship. On the way, the ship was wrecked and the canvas was badly damaged. Returning to Russia, Basin in the early 1830s thoroughly corrected the painting, and then donated it to the Academy of Arts.
The presented canvas is a sketch for the work of the same title and was painted in 1828. The sketch contains all the obligatory components of a classic work: a conventional interpretation of the plot, a three-dimensional composition, and types of heroes close to antique statues. The artist depicted the characters in pompous, theatrical poses with dynamic gestures. By tradition, the main character is depicted in a red cloak. The color of the work is solved by a combination of local colors. However, the work is already beginning to see the features of romantic painting: the stormy sea in the background and the glowing stormy sky.
At home, Pyotr Basin almost immediately began teaching at the Academy of Arts and successfully engaged in this activity for almost forty years, regularly receiving orders and ranks.
In addition, in the first third of the 19th century, the field of archeology experienced a new rise. Specialized museums were being established in Russia, and the antique theme received a new development also in the works of artists.
The most famous and most significant painting by the artist Pyotr Basin ‘Socrates defending Alcibiades at the Battle of Potidae’ depicts an ancient scene of the battle of ancient Greek soldiers during the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. The work was created in the years 1826-1828. After a successful display in Rome, the painting was sent to St. Petersburg by ship. On the way, the ship was wrecked and the canvas was badly damaged. Returning to Russia, Basin in the early 1830s thoroughly corrected the painting, and then donated it to the Academy of Arts.
The presented canvas is a sketch for the work of the same title and was painted in 1828. The sketch contains all the obligatory components of a classic work: a conventional interpretation of the plot, a three-dimensional composition, and types of heroes close to antique statues. The artist depicted the characters in pompous, theatrical poses with dynamic gestures. By tradition, the main character is depicted in a red cloak. The color of the work is solved by a combination of local colors. However, the work is already beginning to see the features of romantic painting: the stormy sea in the background and the glowing stormy sky.
At home, Pyotr Basin almost immediately began teaching at the Academy of Arts and successfully engaged in this activity for almost forty years, regularly receiving orders and ranks.
