Newspaper readers in Naples Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)
Orest Adamovich Kiprensky – Newspaper readers in Naples
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Painter: Orest Adamovich Kiprensky
Location: The State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow (Государственная Третьяковская галерея).
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The painting depicts four young men in the center. The man on the left is reading aloud a newspaper, and the others are listening intently to him. Orest Kiprensky referred to the men depicted on the canvas as Russians, although some of his contemporaries said that the artist said so in order to somehow smooth over the political controversy about the Polish uprising in November 1830. Another artist, Andrei Ivanov, wrote to his son Alexander Ivanov, also an artist, that Kiprensky painted portraits of Poles on this canvas. Art historian Nikolai Romanov, who wrote about the history of art, suggested that the four young men were Poles living in Italy.
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Description of Orest Kiprensky’s painting "Newspaper Readers in Naples
The painting depicts four young men in the center. The man on the left is reading aloud a newspaper, and the others are listening intently to him. Orest Kiprensky referred to the men depicted on the canvas as Russians, although some of his contemporaries said that the artist said so in order to somehow smooth over the political controversy about the Polish uprising in November 1830. Another artist, Andrei Ivanov, wrote to his son Alexander Ivanov, also an artist, that Kiprensky painted portraits of Poles on this canvas.
Art historian Nikolai Romanov, who wrote about the history of art, suggested that the four young men were Poles living in Italy. In the foreground are Antonius Edward Odyniec, Adam Mickiewicz, Zygmunt Krasinski, and Alexander Potocki. Also, one man is holding a decorative dog in his hands.
To the right, behind the young men, is a picture of the waking volcano Vesuvius. At the time of Kiprensky his contemporaries considered the volcano as a symbol of revolution. So symbolically the artist expressed his sympathy for public sentiment.
The man reading aloud the newspaper, still holding the dog, which peeks out from under the newspaper. With this detail the artist draws the viewer’s attention to the newspaper article and emphasizes its importance.
Portraits of four young people was the first in the genre of group portraits. We can say that this painting is the fundamental one in this genre.
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The artist has rendered the men with considerable realism, paying close attention to their individual features and expressions. Each man appears distinct in age, attire, and demeanor. The man on the far left gazes off into the distance with a contemplative expression, while the one beside him seems absorbed in the text. Further along, a figure wearing a distinctive turban displays an air of intellectual engagement, his gaze fixed intently on the newspaper. The final man, positioned at the right edge of the frame, looks out towards the viewer, creating a sense of connection and inviting participation.
The setting appears to be outdoors, with a panoramic view of a harbor city visible in the background. This backdrop provides context for the scene, suggesting a bustling urban environment where news and information are readily accessible. The presence of the newspaper itself is central to the paintings meaning; it serves as a focal point that unites the men and signifies their shared interest in current events.
Beyond the immediate depiction of men reading a newspaper, the work seems to explore themes of public discourse, intellectual curiosity, and social engagement. The varied expressions on the men’s faces suggest a range of interpretations and reactions to the news they are consuming. The inclusion of the dog hints at the importance of companionship and everyday life within this context of information gathering.
The paintings overall effect is one of quiet observation and subtle commentary on the role of newspapers in shaping public opinion and fostering social connection within an urban setting. The artist’s skillful use of light, shadow, and individual characterization elevates a seemingly mundane scene into a thoughtful exploration of human interaction and intellectual pursuits.