Nikolai Ge

Nikolai Nikolaevich Ge ( Russian Николай Николаевич Ге, scientific transliteration Nikolai Nikolaevich Ge; * 15 Februarjul / February 27 1831greg in Voronezh, .. † 1 Junijul / June 13 1894greg in Liwanowsk Churor (now Chernihiv Oblast ). . ) was a Russian painter of French origin. He was known primarily as a painter of historical paintings as well as a portrait painter. His works are attributed to the realism.

Life

In 1847 he began studying at the University of Kiev, before a year later joined the University of Saint Petersburg. In the period 1850-1857 he studied at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. Armed with a grant from the Academy, he went in 1857 to Italy, where he spent the next twelve years with the aim to study works of antiquity and the Renaissance in place. In the meantime, he received an appointment as professor of the Academy in 1863.

During this time he was also a founding member and participant in the exhibitions of the Peredvizhniki.

He was also a close friend of the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, whose religious and philosophical views he was attracted. Since 1876 Ge lived on his estate in Ukraine to follow Tolstoy's reputation for a simple and rural life.

During this time painted Ge, contrary to its previous practice, to deal with historical paintings and portraits, mainly images with themes of the Gospels. Despite heated discussion at the launch of his new paintings of this, he also won because of these works recognition.

His works are attributed to the realism and are characterized by their psychological depth; his early works showed the influence of the painter Karl Pavlovich Briullov. Are shown, inter alia, Mykola Kostomarow (1870 ) In his portraits; a self-portrait dates from 1892 / 1893.

Works (selection)

• Jesus before Pontius Pilate ( Tretyakov Gallery )
• Communion
• Peter I questioned his son Alexei
• What is truth? (Jesus and Pilate )