Vasily Polenov

Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844—1927) — a Russian artist, master of historical, landscape, and genre painting, educator, representative of an exceptionally intelligent noble family, participant in the Russo-Turkish War, author of decorations for theatrical productions, member of the Society for the Exhibition of Traveling Art Exhibits, a great lover of music, and composer of several musical works. An extraordinarily charming person, connected by long-standing friendships with prominent figures in the art world of the late 19th – early 20th century. This is how Vasily Polenov is portrayed in the remarkable biography by Mark Kopshitser, written in magnificent literary language and skillfully combining the detail and thoroughness of a solid art historical study with the engaging nature of a biographical novel.