Sunrise 1895

Arkhyp Kuindzhi painted this dreamlike mountain landscape on canvas, using oil paints. The magic of this image resides in its layers. Kuindzhi builds his composition using thin veils of pigment, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Notice how the paint isn't blended smoothly; you can see individual strokes, particularly in the foreground. This gives the landscape a sense of texture and depth, as if we could reach out and touch the rough bark of the trees or feel the cool mist on our skin. Oil paint, of course, was an industrial product by Kuindzhi’s time, readily available and relatively inexpensive. This speaks to the changing status of the artist in the 19th century. No longer necessarily reliant on patronage, Kuindzhi could access materials more freely than ever before. And his technique – the visible brushwork, the emphasis on light and atmosphere – reflects a move away from academic precision towards a more expressive, individual style. Ultimately, by understanding how Kuindzhi worked with his materials, we gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which he has created such an enthralling landscape.