Christmas and New Year’s through the eyes of Russian artists (PICS)

The fashion for Christmas trees and family celebrations on this sacred day was introduced in the 19th century during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I. Since then, this enormously popular holiday has always been associated with the smell of fir trees, wintry landscapes, and many fabulous gifts. 

During the Soviet era, Orthodox Christmas was banned, but it was replaced by another no less favorite holiday with the same ornate fir tree – the New Year. Both are reflected in the canvases of Russia’s most famous artists.

Alexei Chernyshev. “Christmas Tree at the Anichkov Palace” (Scenes from the family life of Emperor Nicholas I), 1848

Alexei Korzukhin. “Christmas Eve”, 1869

Sergei Dosekin. “Preparation for Christmas”, 1896

Viktor Vasnetsov. “Snegurochka” (Snow Maiden), 1899

Alexander Buchkuri. “Christmas Market”, 1906

Alexei Korin. “Christmas Tree”, 1910

Mikhail Vrubel. “Snow Maiden”, 1900s

Nikolai Feshin. “Christmas Tree”, 1917

Boris Kustodiev. “Christmas Tree Market”, 1918

Heinrich Manizer. “Christmas Tree Market”, 1910s

Alexander Moravov. “Christmas Tree”, 1921

Zinaida Serebryakova. “Katya in Blue Dress by Christmas Tree”, 1922

Grand Duchess Olga Romanova. “New Year’s Eve Treat”, 1935

Grand Duchess Olga Romanova. “Christmas at the Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna with a Portrait of Alexander III”, 1950

A.N. Semyonov. “New Year Tree at Leningrad Circus” (from the book Soviet Circus, 1918-1938)

Fedor Reshetnikov. “Arrived on vacation”, 1948

Valery Topkov. “Winter in Zaraisk”, 2006

Vera Bushurova. “Almetyevsk in holiday season. New Year's”2013

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