Guests Abram Arkhipov (1862-1930)

Description of Abram Arkhipov’s painting "On a Visit"

Abram Arkhipov was born in a village in the Ryazan region and therefore the theme of the village is traced in many of his works. "Arkhipov’s style is so unique that it is difficult to confuse it with any other. This is reflected in the grotesque sweep of the brush movement, the brightness of color, the richness of life in each of his paintings.

An example of this style of Arkhipov’s work is his work "On a Visit." Each of the artist’s heroines is a beautiful Ryazan woman. Presented is exactly the Russian village beauty, saturated with national coloring.

All the women are strong, ruddy and cheerful. Their majesty is seen even through the voluminous folk dresses. Arkhipov uses the principle of looping of the overall composition. The four figures are gathered in a circle. Their bright clothes are complemented by sunlight.

After painting "As a Guest," the artist was so overwhelmed by his success that he decided to exhibit it at the vernissage, but being quite superstitious, he categorically refused to show it to anyone before the exhibition.

"On a Visit" was the logical continuation and completion of the preceding painting, "On a Spring Holiday." Arkhipov searched for ways, colors, faces, and finally reached the climax of creativity by reducing the interior area while increasing the number of figures involved in the composition.

The painting was indeed a success and became the best in Arkhipov’s work of this period. His students, of whom there were many, sincerely praised the artist’s work.

Artists and art critics of the time were interested in Arkhipov. K. F. Yuon gave a short but succinct description of his art. He personified him as a loving, national poet, nurtured Ryazan songs, country girls, who is able to "vividly write" and gives his whole soul to the art of painting.