Russkie Akvafortisty: The Society of Russian Etchers and Early Artistic Organization in the Russian Art World, 1871-75

• Published in: Art history 2016-11, Vol.39 (5), p.926-951
• Main Author: Mardilovich, Galina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Art history; Visual artists
• ISSN: 0141-6790; 1467-8365
• DOI: 10.1111/1467-8365.12216

In the last decade scholars of nineteenth-century art have begun to include the Russian realist movement in their discussions, underscoring critical cross-cultural artistic trends with artists such as Ilia Repin and his Barge Haulers on the Volga of 1870-73, as well as the 1870 foundation of the Association of Travelling Art Exhibitions.1 Indeed, the formation of independent, professional organizations such as the Association of Travelling Art Exhibitions has been seen by scholars as a transnational phenomenon in the development of the modern art world.2 In Russia, as in Europe, these newly formed groups enabled artists to engage in innovative practices and to cultivate - and at times activate - the art market. One such organization that stood at the forefront of the burgeoning Russian art world during this period in addition to the Association was the Society of Russian Etchers (Obshchestvo russkikh akvafortistov). The history of this Society in many ways elucidates the motivations and complex market strategies of early artistic organisation in Russia. What is more, however, it further challenges the assumption of Russia's belatedness and lack of involvement in the wider development of modern art.