Silver Age. Interference of the Russian and German Cultures

The author explores the specific interaction of Russian and German art, their differences, forces of attraction and direct contact. Only conscious and meaningful differences could have reveal the strength and true value of each culture and, most importantly, become a pretext for new and creative quest for one’s own way in art. Two-sided interest of Russian and German cultures implies a two-way process mutually contributed and enriched on both parts. The fact that Russian and German art at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries was developing under different conditions does not mean that the exchange of spiritual values was proceeding in only one direction. The facts indicate to intensive relationships and mutual enrichment between the two cultures. Despite restrained relation towards Russian fine art until the mid-1890s, the preconditions for closer attention to it were gradually evolving in Germany. A very important role was played in this province by Russian literature, which since the mid-80s had started to agitate the minds both in Germany and Europe in general. Tolstoy and Dostoevsky became well-known in Germany in 1880s, when the first translations of their works appeared. The next two decades showed an uninterrupted flow of reprints. But the point is not merely in the fact, that the achievements of Russian literature suggested the existence of fine arts of the same quality. Rather, as many critics state, Russian literature became a special key to the 19th century arts. The exhibitions of the Russian artists, including solo exhibitions of Ivan K. Aivazovsky and Vasily Vereshchagin, used to be arranged more and more often in German cities. Relations between Russian and German culture in the late 19th - early 20th were fairly stable and fruitful, enriching and inspiring art in both countries. By late 1910s the European public had accepted Russian art as an equal and very significant phenomenon in world culture, with much spiritual and creative potential deserving an elaborate study.