Nikolay Sapunov

A Russian artist and theatre artist, a graphic artist and decorator, a bright and original representative of Symbolism and an innovator in the field of scenography. The artist was one of the most influential in the circle of the «Blue Rose», participated in all exhibitions of the group. He is the one who became an author of the emblem – locally blue roses on the cover of the catalog of the exhibition of the group. He worked in the genres of still-life and landscare, created decorative panels and genre paintings, as well as paintings on the themes of theater productions. Sapunov’s works, including sketches for scenery, are in the collections of the best museums and galleries in Russia.

Key ideas:

– The creator of the drawing “Blue Rose”, a sign of the Symbolist art movement of the Russian art, began his career as an Impressionist. In his early works, he appears as a painter of the “generation thirsty for beauty” (expression by S. Dyagilev). He very quickly moved from the minor “Levitan” to major “Korovin” motives. His art from the very beginning demonstrates the outstanding talent of the colorist, who literally lives in a color.

– At the same time, the features inherent in the aesthetics of Symbolism form in his art – plasticity and subject are increasingly aimed at the expression of non-material categories. Expressing emotions and mood, N. Sapunov focuses on music; at the first (Saratov) exhibition of Russian Symbolists “Red Rose”, five of his eight works had music names – in particular, “Nocturne”, as it was mentioned in the catalogue, was created to music by Tchaikovsky.

– Over the years, the image of the “world-theater” became the main in his painting; he creates a special genre “paintings about the play”. The picturesque action exposes the illusiveness of art, as if it is a motley and fragile shell of life chaos. The patron and for the most part the instigator of the “Blue Rose” youth Valery Bryusov expressed their world perception with the words “We turn our gaze inward … art is in the depths of the senses, in the spirit.”

– From the realm of flowers N. Sapunov prefers to depict exotic and greenhouse – those that help to use the unbridled coloristic talent to the full extent. At the same time, in his artistic manner, the painter skillfully combines the impressionistic impulsiveness of fast strokes with a mystical attitude to light and color, which is characteristic of Symbolism.