How LOVE was depicted by Russian artists (PICS)

Serenade, 1890s. Klavdy Stepanov

State Art and Architecture Museum, Oranienbaum

Could any woman resist when she hears a love song? It seems that this handsome guy knows the secret of seduction!

A shepherd and peasant woman, 1849. Vassily Khudyakov

State Russian Museum, Saint Petersburg

Despite this scene looking like an accidental meeting, we see the lady in her festive dress, earrings with big gems and a kind of tiara on her head. 

A carpenter’s apprentice asks for the hand of his master's daughter, 1856. Carl Schultz

Museum of V. A. Tropinin and Moscow Artists of his time, Moscow

The artist masterfully depicted a traditional domestic scene for his time. The poor student, wearing the most solemn costume, assures the father of his bride of his sincere love. The father doesn’t seem to believe him very much.

Dating, 1858. Yevgraph Sorokin

State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

This scene was seen by the artist in Spain while on his travels. It depicts a lovers’ date on a hot summer day. 

In a hayloft, 1872. Konstantin Trunovsky

Tyumen Museum of Fine Arts

Trunovsky devoted many of his artworks to rural life, depicting wonderful landscapes and the everyday situations of its dwellers. This is one of the most romantic of his paintings, when a couple rest in a hayloft… spotted by a local boy.

Following the example of the gods, 1879. Genrikh Semigradsky

Lviv National Art Gallery

A young couple’s date surrounded by Antic-style decorations. 

Declaration, 1891. Vladimir Makovsky

State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

This very sincere and romantic painting depicts the declaration of love. A young man has come to his beloved to open his heart. She was playing the piano and didn’t expect his visit. Both look confused, but happy.

A sailor and a sweetheart, 1920. Boris Kustodiev

I. I. Brodsky Apartment Museum, Saint Petersburg

A merry sailor is walking with his lady who is wearing the most trendy dress of the 1920s. Wrapped with a fur cape with a fox’s head and holding a rose in her mouth, the woman looks very eccentric, but her cavalier isn’t too modestly dressed, either! 

Spring, 1935. Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin.

State Russian Museum

This artist depicted, in his very recognizable style, courting in the countryside. In spring, nature is waking up, and people attempt to find their love, too.  

Wedding on tomorrow street, 1962. Yury Pimenov.

State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

The artist devoted many of his works to the young people who built communism. This newly married couple looks happy even walking on a street under construction surrounded by an unfinished residential complex. 

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