Russian Art
Ivanov, A. A.
"Four Naked Boys". 1840 - 1850s
Notes: Four Naked Boys
Study for the painting "The Appearance of Christ to People"
This is one of several celebrated figure studies for Ivanov's "The Appearance of Christ to the People." Because it was only a preparatory sketch that would not be seen by the public, the work shows a freedom, spontaneity, and lack of self-consciousness absent from the painting, which was intended for public viewing. The quality of Ivanov's figure studies recalls the works of Ferdinand Hodler, Joaquin Sorolla, and Anders Zorn at the turn of the century.
