Forest In Winter 1912

Julius Sergius Klever created this oil on canvas painting entitled "Forest in Winter." Klever, born in what is now Estonia, was a Russian painter who specialized in landscapes. The way light filters through the trees evokes the mystical qualities often found in Romantic painting, but in a more naturalistic style. This work can be better understood by considering the historical context of 19th-century Russia. Nature played a strong role in Russian national identity, and landscape painting became increasingly popular. Artists looked to the natural world for spiritual inspiration, and in response to the rise of industrialization, many artists focused on the beauty of untouched landscapes. To fully appreciate this work, we can use primary sources such as exhibition reviews or artist's letters. Art history is, after all, dependent on reconstructing social and institutional contexts.