Nicolai Tarkhov (1871-1930)

This painting by Nicolai Tarkhov is a vivid and textured representation of the woods near Soullac-sur-Mer. I

 

t features an array of dynamic brushstrokes that bring to life the lush foliage and dense woodland. The colors used range from various shades of green to blue, yellow, and hints of purple, creating a lively impression of the forest canopy and undergrowth. The vertical lines of the tree trunks provide depth and structure, while the light blue and white patches suggest the sky peeking through the treetops.

 

This piece captures the essence of nature’s vitality and is a fine example of Tarkhov’s impressionistic style, which focuses on color, light, and technique to convey the atmosphere of the scene.

Nicolas Alexandrovich Tarkhoff, an impressionist artist of Russian origin, was born on January 20, 1871, into a family of wealthy merchants in Moscow. His artistic journey began amidst personal tragedy with the early loss of both parents, which perhaps infused his work with the depth of emotion seen throughout his career. Despite an initial setback at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture due to his revolutionary temperament, Tarkhoff's resolve led him to the studio of Konstantin Korovin, where he honed his craft alongside notable artists like Pavel Kuznetsov and Valentin Serov. His early works, characterized by bold strokes and an assertive style, garnered attention at the Society of Friends of Fine Arts exhibition in Moscow.

 

 

Moving to Paris

 

In 1898, Tarkhoff's quest for artistic growth took him to Paris, the epicenter of the art world. Here, he joined the Académie Julian but soon found his unique style at odds with the academic rigidity. Tarkhoff's Paris years were marked by a vibrant portrayal of the city's life, capturing the dynamic flow of crowds, the enchantment of carnivals, and the bustling market scenes with a distinctive, instinctive force. His work received international recognition, and he exhibited alongside the greats of impressionism.

 

 

Legacy

 

Tarkhoff's legacy, however, faced periods of obscurity, particularly in Russia, where his contributions were undervalued for many years. Today, he is celebrated as a profound and original talent, whose sincere and wonderful creativity left an indelible mark on the world of art.

 

 

Musea

 

France: MUDO-Musée de l’Oise, Musée d'Art et d'Industrie (Roubaix), Grenoble.

Geneva (Petit Palais),

Russia: Kirov (Museum of Fine Arts of Viatka), St Petersburg (State Russian Museum), Moscow (State Tretyakov Gallery), Moscow (Boris Mintz Museum)...

Amsterdam (KattenKabinet)

Ramat Gan (Israel)

Musée Léon Dierx (La réunion)

Spain (Alava Fine Arts Museum)

Baltimore (The Baltimore Museum of Art)