Sailboats 1926

Konstantin Gorbatov made this painting of sailboats with oil on canvas. Born in the Russian Empire, Gorbatov spent his career navigating a rapidly changing world. During his lifetime, Russia was transformed by industrialization, war, revolution, and the rise of communism. After the Russian Revolution, many artists, including Gorbatov, left Russia. While in emigration, the artist painted views of pre-revolutionary Russia from memory, as well as landscapes of his new home in Europe. Here, the sailboats are depicted with thick brushstrokes. These evoke the feeling of movement and light, while their bright colors are reminiscent of traditional Russian art. Gorbatov here references the traditions of landscape painting in both Russia and Europe. To understand the meaning of Gorbatov's art more fully, we can consult letters, diaries, and other documents that shed light on the experience of Russian émigrés in the early 20th century. By understanding this social and institutional context, we are better able to understand the artist’s place in history.