Graphic traditions of the “World of art” in the early work of V.M. Konashevich

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to concretize and somewhat correct the seemingly indisputable statement about the commitment of one of the most prolific Russian illustrators, V.M. Konashevich, to the graphic tradition of the “World of Art”. The influence of the masters of this circle was particularly evident in the early work of Konashevich (1917-1922). However, even in this period, the artist was not the epigone of the luminaries, he used the discoveries of his older comrades to solve problems that lay outside the circle of their interests, he was looking for his own style. The article compares the experiences of the novice illustrator with the works of the masters of the famous association, analyzes their statements about the works of a younger colleague, as well as Konashevich's opinions about the aesthetics of the “World of Art” and about his own creative path.