Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky, 1839-1915

In Konstantin Makovsky’s large and varied oeuvre, paintings celebrating the Boyar roots of the Russian aristocracy were amongst his most admired and sought after works. During a period of history which saw the traditional structure of Russian society change dramatically Konstantin Makovsky’s Boyar paintings evoked the romance, colour, and extravagance of a lost and untouchable age. In this way his Boyar paintings exemplify the Pan Slavic trend in 19^th century Russian art.

Makovsky created a number of large-scale compositions based on the Boyar theme, including  A Boyar Wedding Feast, 1883, at the Hillwood Museum, Washington and  The Kissing Rite (Feast at the Boyar Morozov’s Home), 1895, at the Russian Museum, St. Petersburg (fig.1). The present work appears to be a life-size study for the latter picture. Makovsky produced numerous studies of Boyars and Boyarinas and would often use these genre portraits for his large historical compositions. He amassed an extensive collection of Russian costumes, fabrics and kokoshniks and also created tableaux vivants, literally living paintings (fig.2) which he used as inspiration for his paintings.

 This fine genre portrait demonstrates Makovsky’s art at its most skilful, revealing his great sensitivity towards detail and colour. The artists seem to revel in the luxury of the sitter’s costume, with his pearl encrusted cuffs, richly embroidered kaftan and sumptuous fur trim. The formality suggested by the official costume is countered by an intimacy conveyed in the Boyar’s jovial expression.