I. I. Shishkin, known as Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832 – 1898), was an unparalleled figure in the realm of Russian landscape painting. Born into a merchant lineage, his artistic journey was fueled by his father’s encouragement. His formal education began at the Moscow School of Painting in 1952, followed by rigorous studies at the revered Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, where he was awarded the Big Gold Medal for his piece, “View of the island of Valaam”.
Shishkin’s quest for knowledge led him to traverse countries including Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and more. However, his experiences abroad left him feeling disenchanted with foreign pedagogies. It was during this time he acquainted himself with lithography and etching techniques. His exquisite drawings captivated the audience, earning him the distinguished title of academician for his work “View near Düsseldorf”.
Upon returning to Russia, he became an integral part of the Traveling Society, known popularly as the “Wanderers”. His masterpiece “Noon in the vicinity of Moscow” was hailed as “a song of joy”. Shishkin’s artistry was marked by his unparalleled attention to detail in capturing nature, making his pieces coveted assets for private collections even today. His artistic ethos was rooted in materialistic aesthetics, portraying nature in its purest form. Even when juxtaposed with stalwarts like Levitan, Serov, and Korovin, Shishkin’s brilliance shone undiminished. Respected across generations, he met his end doing what he loved, painting in his studio. In commemoration of his legacy, the Rios Art Gallery is proud to present an online sale of his timeless artworks.
