Pskov 

Konstantin Gorbatov made this painting of Pskov with oil on canvas. Gorbatov emigrated from Russia to Italy then Germany in the 1920s, so it’s interesting to consider how this painting represents his attitude toward his homeland. Pskov is one of Russia’s oldest cities, with a history stretching back to the medieval period, during which it was an important trading hub. The Orthodox cathedral in the background reminds us of the deep historical links between Russian identity, the church, and the state. In the foreground we see a busy river port with a marketplace, suggesting a more secular side to Russian life, with the wooden stalls and colorful buildings giving a sense of warmth and vitality. To understand more about the artist’s life and intentions, it would be helpful to look at his personal papers and letters to understand his beliefs about Russian culture. His artistic training in St. Petersburg and his relationship to the art establishment of his day would give further clues.