Alexey Bogolyubov is one of the outstanding masters of the seascape. The artist not only wrote paintings on Russian Navy history subjects but also created lithographs and prints. Jokingly, he referred to himself as an ‘artist sailor.’
Having been left without his father early, Alexey Bogolyubov was sent to the Alexander Juvenile Corps, where he was transferred to the Marine Cadet Corps two years later. At the age of seventeen, he completed his studies, graduated with the title of Michman, and since then frequently went on foreign voyages. Being in different countries, Bogolyubov got acquainted with the works of the best Western European artists. In 1847, he met Karl Bryullov. The eminent artist advised him to engage in painting seriously. In 1850, Bogolyubov entered the Imperial Academy of Arts, where he studied with the famous marine painter Maxim Vorobyov.
He graduated from the Academy in 1853 with a gold medal and was appointed as an artist of the General Maritime Staff. After leaving the sea service, Bogolyubov traveled in Europe for seven years, and in 1856 the artist painted several views of Venice, and ‘Venice at night’ is among them from the museum’s collection.
It depicts the end of a magnificent celebration in Venice since 1000 — “Betrothing to the Sea”. It was dedicated to the maritime ruling of this city on the water. The Doge, head of the Venetian Republic, went out to the Venetian Lagoon of the Adriatic Sea on a luxurious ceremonial multi-oared galley, accompanied by many boats and vessels. Near the church of St. Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, a prayer was recited, then the doge threw a precious ring into the water with words marking true dominion.
The artist depicted the famous city’s brisk nightlife: on the Grand Canal — the lush galley of the Doge, elegant shaped traditional Venetian gondolas with people, along the sides of the canal 16th-century palaces and the famous Baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute.
Having been left without his father early, Alexey Bogolyubov was sent to the Alexander Juvenile Corps, where he was transferred to the Marine Cadet Corps two years later. At the age of seventeen, he completed his studies, graduated with the title of Michman, and since then frequently went on foreign voyages. Being in different countries, Bogolyubov got acquainted with the works of the best Western European artists. In 1847, he met Karl Bryullov. The eminent artist advised him to engage in painting seriously. In 1850, Bogolyubov entered the Imperial Academy of Arts, where he studied with the famous marine painter Maxim Vorobyov.
He graduated from the Academy in 1853 with a gold medal and was appointed as an artist of the General Maritime Staff. After leaving the sea service, Bogolyubov traveled in Europe for seven years, and in 1856 the artist painted several views of Venice, and ‘Venice at night’ is among them from the museum’s collection.
It depicts the end of a magnificent celebration in Venice since 1000 — “Betrothing to the Sea”. It was dedicated to the maritime ruling of this city on the water. The Doge, head of the Venetian Republic, went out to the Venetian Lagoon of the Adriatic Sea on a luxurious ceremonial multi-oared galley, accompanied by many boats and vessels. Near the church of St. Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, a prayer was recited, then the doge threw a precious ring into the water with words marking true dominion.
The artist depicted the famous city’s brisk nightlife: on the Grand Canal — the lush galley of the Doge, elegant shaped traditional Venetian gondolas with people, along the sides of the canal 16th-century palaces and the famous Baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute.
The primary expressive means in the picture becomes light. A unique fabulous atmosphere is created by a complex interaction of burning torches, lanterns on gondolas, illuminations on the cathedral building, and the setting sun.
In 1881, the painting was exhibited in a traveling exhibition. Before entering the museum, the canvas visited private collections. In 1927 it was transferred to the Tula Museum of Fine Arts.
In 1881, the painting was exhibited in a traveling exhibition. Before entering the museum, the canvas visited private collections. In 1927 it was transferred to the Tula Museum of Fine Arts.
