Korovin Paper Lanterns, Russian Empire, 19th century

Konstantin Korovin (1861-1939) was a Russian painter known for his Impressionist and Post-Impressionist style. He was born in Moscow and studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture before travelling to France to study at the Académie Julian in Paris. Korovin was a member of the Mir iskusstva (World of Art) group, which sought to promote modernism in Russian art. Korovin's paintings often depicted scenes from everyday life, including landscapes, street scenes and interiors. He was particularly interested in the effects of light and colour, and his work is characterised by vivid colours and loose brushwork. Korovin was also a successful stage designer, working on productions for the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. Korovin's work was exhibited widely in Russia and Europe during his lifetime, and he received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to art. Today, his paintings are held in collections around the world, including the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.