Description of the picture:
Ukrainian night – Kuindzhi. 1876. Oil on canvas. 79×162
The work is considered one of the most poetic and, at the same time, crucial in the work of the master. Starting with this "nights", the artist refuses the romantic orientation of his works, attaching greater importance to decorativeness and exoticism.
The painting мейд a strong impression on the audience, who saw in it echoes of Pushkin’s poetry and Gogol’s prose. The artist created a surprisingly beautiful and even somewhat theatrical composition.
The favorite manner of the master "collect" the light in one bright spot, in this case, perfectly emphasizes the idea and reveals "the program" work. The velvety, cool colors of the sky and sleeping nature set off and emphasize the brightness and elegance of the walls of rural houses. The farm seems to soar in the night, illuminating the space with reflected light.
The sophisticated exoticism of the landscape, sophistication and idealization fascinate the viewer, attracts him and does not let go for a long time. Forcing him to peer more closely at the darkened parts of the landscape, the author achieves the effect of mystery and inner fullness of the picture. Poetry and decorativeness elevated to absolute – this is how the aesthetic essence of the work can be characterized.
Starting a new stage in his work, the master is increasingly approaching new trends for him in painting. It is known that many of his students subsequently became apologists for impressionism."