Count Vladimir Leonidovich Muravyov (1861–1940) was a Russian artist who painted mostly animalistic landscapes on the theme of hunting, about whom they tried not to mention too much in Soviet times, and if suddenly there were any publications or conversations, then only in a negative light. And although his work was relatively harmless by Soviet standards, albeit not very ideologically consistent, questions were raised by the artist’s personality itself.
Forest at dusk
Muravyov, according to Soviet critics and viewers, turned the life of his wife, the famous actress Vera Komissarzhevskaya, into a real hell, and this, of course, caused universal condemnation.
Vera Komissarzhevskaya
He was even called a "notorious scoundrel" and was criticized in every possible way. To what extent all this was deserved is another question. Although Muravyov was not a champion of morality, abused alcohol, and gained the reputation of a ladies' man who did not miss a single enthusiastic admirer of his work or anyone who simply wanted to touch the "world of art", he was not an inveterate scoundrel. He simply led the life of a "typical representative of bohemia" and if some simpler woman had been in Komissarzhevskaya's place, there would certainly have been much less negative talk.
Elk in the winter forest
Vladimir Muravyov was born into the family of Count Leonid Muravyov and his wife Sofia Orzhitskaya. The father of the future artist was a very rich and influential man, served as a herald master, and therefore wanted his son not to "disgrace the honor of the family" and find an occupation corresponding to his status. He managed to arrange for his son to enter the Page Corps, the most prestigious educational institution in Russia, where officers of the Imperial Life Guards were trained. But Vladimir's career did not work out: he did not study very diligently, military discipline weighed on him, and he soon left the Page Corps. The father was very disappointed and gave up on his careless offspring, realizing that a serious career was no longer in the cards for him. And Muravyov Jr. managed to enter the Academy of Arts. True, he preferred parties with friends and romances with flighty beauties who hung around the young and rich "burner of life" to boring studies.
Woodcock draft
In his free time, and often instead of academic studies, he went hunting with friends, fortunately he was a real amateur and expert in this business. It is not surprising that most of his paintings were dedicated to hunting: what I see, that's what I paint - just about Muravyov.
The fox is hunting for a mouse
However, despite all the negligence in his studies, Muravyov was not deprived of talent and love for painting, and his hunting landscapes deservedly attracted the attention of many art lovers: both aristocrats and ordinary viewers. They were distinguished by their verified coloring, interesting pictorial effects and authenticity, since the artist probably saw everything depicted with his own eyes, and he did not need to invent anything.
Wood grouse on the mating ground (duel)
This is the artistic view of a true hunter on his favorite hobby, where all the smallest nuances are taken into account. Moreover, unlike ordinary landscapes, of which there were many, Muravyov also painted animals in his paintings, and there was no excess of high-quality animalism in Russian painting. And not every landscape artist could depict them at the proper level, for example, even such a master of landscape as Shishkin turned to Savitsky to paint bears in his famous painting "Morning in a Pine Forest". Well, and the pretentious signature "Count Muravyov" completed the matter, with which Muravyov clearly made it clear that there were many artists, but he was the only count among them.
Bear-connector (Disturbed)
While studying at the Academy, he married Vera Komissarzhevskaya. The aspiring actress and beautiful girl had no shortage of admirers, but she chose to marry Muravyov. He was rich, noble, and sincerely loved art, which, in her opinion, made him stand out among other suitors. She imagined herself as a real wife and muse of an artist who was endlessly passionate about his work, and dreamed that he would create real masterpieces, and she would fully assist him in this.
Sunset on the moss bog
However, she was wrong. Muravyov believed that a woman should give birth and raise children, receive guests and look beautiful, and nothing more was required of her. In art, as well as in hunting, a lady has nothing to do. But Vera categorically disagreed with her husband's opinion and was not going to give up her career. She dreamed of the "big stage" and wanted to become a famous actress, fortunately, God did not deprive her of talent. Scandals, swearing began, and three years later Muravyov cheated on Komissarzhevskaya with her sister Nadezhda. This was the last straw, and Vera filed for divorce. However, the actress's delicate psyche could not withstand such an emotional shock, and she spent a month in a psychiatric hospital. Muravyov married Nadezhda, but this marriage did not last long either.
Wolves on the edge of the forest
After the revolution, Vladimir went abroad. But the dull existence of an emigrant became unbearable for him, he sincerely missed his homeland, eventually returned and began to live in Rostov-on-Don. He could not even dream of his former wealth, he had to organize his life in a new way, when he barely had enough money for the most necessary things. However, Muravyov was unable to give up his old habits, craving for binges and alcoholic libations, although he had to switch from expensive cognac and champagne to vodka. He lived in a poor, dirty apartment, gradually drinking more and more and degrading. He earned money by creating copies of his previous works, which he sold cheaply at the local market.
Black grouse in spring
There was no talk of any new subjects or refined technique of execution, it was purely a craft work to get money for firewood, booze and food. The artist, forgotten and despised by everyone, died at the age of 79. Perhaps he was not the most righteous person and his views on the position of women in society are worthy of condemnation, as are his numerous betrayals. But on the other hand, Muravyov's paintings are filled with sincere admiration for Russian nature and hunting routine.
Hare in the winter forest
Hunting for him was a kind of sacred act. He is so delicate in his work that he never depicted killed animals or any bloody scenes at all. This is more the view of a naturalist and nature lover than of some hunter-trader, for whom the prey is in the first place.
It is not surprising that Muravyov's early works still attract the attention of collectors and are highly valued on the art market.
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