1818, Astrakhan - 1927, Leningrad
Streltsy Having a Good Time at a Tavern
1901
- Period Late 19th century – Early 20th century
- CategoryGenre Painting
As an artist Kustodiev was influenced by the trend for romantic views of Russia, and he turned to the period of the 16th and 17th centuries, the time of the streltsy; they were the first regular foot soldiers in Russia, being established during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Streltsy lived apart with their families in special settlements, and spent their free time when away from military service in farming, commerce or trades. The painting shows a chance scene outside a tavern. The artist was interested in the actual atmosphere of the past epoch, in its uniqueness and colour, and he conveys these through the movement that fills the composition, the expressiveness of poses and faces and the genuineness of the landscape setting.