Russkie Muzhiki. Kartiny khudozhnika N. Orlova, s predisloviem Leva Nikolaevicha Tolstogo [Russian Peasants. Pictures painted by N. Orlov, with a preface by Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy].

[TOLSTOY, Lev Nikolaevich.] ORLOV, Nikolai.

Published by St Petersburg, R. Golik & A. Vilborg, 1909., 1909

About this Item

Folio, pp. 8 (introduction), with 9 full-page plates comprising black and white photographic reproductions of paintings mounted on thick paper with printed descriptions beneath; photographic portrait of Tolstoy mounted on title-page within a coloured border of cascading leaves, text within ornamental border; a fine copy in the original paper boards, with mounted full colour illustration of a peasant scene by the artist Stefan Kolesnikov.First and only edition of this album of nine black and white reproductions of folk-art paintings by the peasant artist Nikolai Orlov, prefaced by an 8-page introduction by Tolstoy. The realistic portrayal of Russian society, especially of the peasantry, was a cause beloved by Tolstoy, and is a key feature of many of his most famous works, including The Cossacks and Anna Karenina. Nikolai Orlov (1863-1924) trained at the Moscow School of painting, sculpture and architecture. Most of his works focused on the peasantry, particularly on issues of poverty and social injustice. A friend of Tolstoy, he was a frequent guest at Yasnaya Polyana. The result of these shared views is the present work: 'The publication of this album of Orlov's pictures is an excellent thing. Orlov is my favourite artist, and he is my favourite because the subject of his pictures is my favourite subject, the Russian people, the real Russian salt-of-the earth peasant people, not the people who conquered Napoleon and conquered and subdued other peoples, not those people, who, unhappily, have so quickly learnt to make cars, railways, revolutions, and also parliaments… but those humble, hard-working, Christian, meek, patient people, who nurtured and now bear on their shoulders all those who now torment and diligently corrupt them… 'Orlov and I love the same thing in these people, the meek, patient soul, enlightened by Christianity, which promises so much to those who are able to understand it…' (extract from Tolstoy's preface).The common theme of the series is the temptation the Christian peasant soul has to face and overcome, each picture accompanied by an explanatory gloss. In the preface Tolstoy offers his own commentary, pointing out the touching humanity of the images. Alongside scenes of dying and emigration, perhaps the most moving image is that of the peasant soldier returning home after long service to find his wife has borne a child in his absence. She kneels before him imploring his forgiveness, he is obviously deeply moved but through his Christian faith he is able to forgive her. Language: Russian. Seller Inventory # F1694

Bibliographic Details

Title: Russkie Muzhiki. Kartiny khudozhnika N. ...

Publisher: St Petersburg, R. Golik & A. Vilborg, 1909.

Publication Date: 1909