Russian Painters: The Classic Years (2001)

Overview

When Peter the Great came to power at the beginning of the 18th century, he westernized Russia, often using a brutal hand to bring about change. One of the transformations that occurred at this time was in the field of art, which moved from its primitive tribal and religious roots toward a more classic western style. This absorbing program explores how the combination of influences is reflected in the country’s emergent art.