The image of Ivan the Terrible in the national fine arts of the XX – beginning of the XXI century. Traditions and innovations

Abstract

The article for the first time analyzes innovative and traditional trends in the works of modern art devoted to the image of Ivan the Terrible. On the basis of art history and cultural-historical approaches the author reveals and analyzes the continuity of art of XIX and XX centuries in formal and substantive aspects. The subject of the study are the following trends: the similarity of the figurative language of the works of the Russian school of painting XIX and XX centuries; allusively as the iconic feature of the artistic thinking, the coexistence of the salon-academic and democratic lines of painting for two centuries, interest in the heritage of the “Russian style”, leading from the origins of the middle Ages; the interaction of religious and secular origins; themed community art, past and present. Particular emphasis is placed on the search for new themes in modern historical painting. The author considers as works of the leading masters of a modern era, and beginning painters and sculptors. The article analyzes the relationship between fine arts and historical science. The article is based on works of art kept in various museums (fine arts, local history, historical, military, Museum-reserves), private collections displayed at temporary exhibitions.