The Abramtsevo Circle
The Abramtsevo Art Colony
The Abramtsevo Circle is a collection of artists involved in the revival of Russian tradition. Contemporary techniques were being applied to visions of Byzantine Russia in a nationalistic art movement. Even so, the freedom of creating art beyond state and religious sponsorship inspired artistic development that was contemporary and occasionally presaged art in Western Europe.
In the 1870’s Savva Mamontov, a Russian railroad tycoon and art patron, buys the Abramtsevo located about forty miles outside of Moscow along the picturesque Vorya River. He gathers some of the most talented artisans and painters in Russia and builds a cluster of workshops, studios and small houses in which they live and work. He also builds and sponsors the first private opera in Russia, drawing on the circle of artists for dramatic set designs. In the near feudal society of the Russian kingdom, Mamontov is one of the first patrons of the arts that are neither royalty nor the church. He encourages new techniques and styles, although nationalistic themes are often present in the work.
The community comes to an end around World War I with the Russian Revolution. Today, Abramtsevo is part of state park and museum. Many of the colony buildings and the estate home, which are the social center of the community, can be seen. Many artists live in the nearby communities following the tradition of the Abramtsevo circle.
Paintings by David Berry Inspired by Members of the Abramtsevo Circle
Baba With Peaches
The Dream Religion
Off-Site Links for Artists in The Abramtsevo Circle
To see paintings by Victor Vasnetsov, click here.
To read about Victor Vasnetsov, click here.
To see paintings by Valentin Serov click here.
To read about Valentin Serov, click here.
Meher Baba Collection Index
