Narrative-thematic painting in the work of Siberian “severe style” artists

The aim of this article is to identify and characterize the features of narrative-thematic paintings in the works of Siberian artists of the “severe style”. Using the works of G. F. Borunov, K. G. Zalozny, A. S. Trishin, L. R. Tsesyulevich, I. R. Rudzite, H. A. Avrutis, I. P. Popov, and other masters, the article analyzes the thematic spectrum (historical theme, labor, science, lyricism), genre features (synthesis of group portrait and thematic painting), and the specifics of artistic language. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that for the first time thematic paintings by Siberian artists of the “severe style” are considered as a holistic artistic phenomenon with regional specificity. Unlike existing studies devoted either to metropolitan schools of the “severe style” or the work of individual Siberian artists, this work for the first time specifically analyzes thematic paintings of Siberian masters. The article provides a comprehensive assessment of this genre phenomenon and identifies its regional characteristics. The study found that the narrative-thematic paintings of Siberian masters, while preserving the general stylistic features of the movement (monumentality, laconism, and an interest in the working man), acquire distinctive features: the landscape emerges as a full-fledged protagonist, emphasizing the inseparable connection between man and the land, while the genre synthesis of group portraits and thematic paintings imbues the images with psychological depth and authenticity.