Modest Mussorgsky by Ilya Repin, 2 – 5 March 1881 (WikiArt.org.)
I eliminated my post on the Emancipation Reform of 1861. Although the Emancipation Reform of 1861 had deleterious effects on many Russians, Mussorgsky (21 March 1839 – 28 March 1881) became an alcoholic because extreme behaviour was fashionable in his days. (See Modest Mussorgsky, Wiki2.org.)
However, those who turned to the “worship of Bacchus” did not necessarily become alcoholics. Mussorgsky did, and it led to his death.
Repin‘s portrait of Mussorgsky, the eyes in particular, is one of his finest paintings.
Love to everyone 💕
—ooo—
The Old Castle
Une larme (A Tear)
Above the Eternal Tranquillity by Isaac Levitan, 1894 (WikiArt.org.)
© Micheline Walker
17 November 2018
WordPress
Micheline's Blog 
As a product of music school and then Arts college, I’ve seen copies of that portrait everywhere for many years. It is, of course a great piece of art, but then, Repin was a great artist, of course.
As to fragile artistic souls, a famous Russian poet of the beginning of the 20th century, Sergei Yesenin, wrote that a true poet writes with blood of his wounded heart. I think it pertains to great composers and artists as well.
LikeLike
Mussorgsky was so fragile. I was introduced to Russian music at a very early age and loved it. Then came Russian literature. When I was a child in Quebec, most books written by good French authors were on the Index of prohibited books. The librarian showed me books she thought I would like: Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Pushkin… The books I read were masterpieces.💕
LikeLike
https://wiki2.org/en/Ilya_Repin I was fascinated by Repin as well as Mussorgsky.
LikeLike
These musicians and artists left an extraordinary legacy. The music of Russia touches the heart. Artist and musicians mixed. They knew one another. So we have the extraordinary portrait of a man who could not survive harsh reality. Mussorgsky was affected by the Emancipation Reform of 1861. His family lost half its estate. But I suspect a very sensitive soul. He was a genius, and, emotionally, a genius is at risk.
My best Amanda 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will you be posting again on the Emancipation Reform Act?
LikeLike
I will, because of the repercussions. There is irony in the Emancipation Reform Act. The Serfs had worked the land at times very painfully. Once they were freed, they entered factories. Bloody Sunday was cruel and it was a mistake. The demonstrators were carrying a respectful petition, not ammunition. The Russians suffered. Best regards,
Micheline
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with your observation on the painting, although I am not familiar with the artist.
LikeLike
Repin is best know for painting the barge haulers on the Volga. You would also love the paintings of Isaac Levitan and Alexei Savrasov. They painted “mood” or “lyrical” landscapes. Russian culture is very rich. I became interested in Russian art rather late but it was a happy discovery. However, I have long loved the music of Russia and its literature, the 19th century in particular. Wikiart.org has a rich selection of works by Repin, Levitan and Savrasov: landscapes and few portraits. I’ve had to teach some of their tales (Animals in Literature). We have Prokoviev’s “Peter and the Wolf.”
Repin finished his portrait of Mussorgsky on March 5, 23 days before Mussorgsky’s death, aged 42. Mussorgsky’s family did lose half their estate, when the Emancipation Reform of 1861 took place. But there were other losses, the burden of genius, and a “fashion.” Wishing you the best.💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very many thanks, Micheline X
LikeLike
I worked on Russian artists and musicians a few years ago. One doesn’t forget. Best regards, Micheline
LikeLike