Bidspirit auction | Solomatkin, Leonid Ivanovich (1837–1883) ”Carol

Solomatkin, Leonid Ivanovich (1837–1883) ”Carol Singers”, 1876. Oil on canvas; 40 × 53 cm. Signed in the lower right: “L. Solomatkin 1876”. - Leonid Ivanovich Solomatkin (1837–1883) was a talented Russian genre painter, a contemporary of V. G. Perov, distinguished by a vivid individuality and pronounced artistic originality. One of the artist’s most famous works, which brought him wide recognition, was the painting “Carolers-Policemen”. The first version dates to 1864; its current whereabouts are unknown. The painting was awarded a silver medal by the Imperial Academy of Arts and received high praise from the renowned critic V. V. Stasov.   Subsequently, the composition was repeated by the artist several times with minor variations: details of the interior changed, the number of figures varied, and the appearance of the merchant was altered. This painting represents the most successful authorial version of the subject and has no exact analogue, differing in details from other known examples. Grotesque expressiveness of the figures, convincing detail, precision of drawing, emotional richness of the color scheme, and a subtle sense of irony are characteristic features of Solomatkin’s work.   The “Carolers-Policemen” possess not only a distinct and individual presence, but also create the impression that their singing can be heard—each voice different: bass, tenor, and treble. The painting “Carolers” is marked by meticulous and expressive execution and holds significant artistic and collectible value.