The Sociocultural Aspects of Merchant Class in the Light of Russian Painting Art

Abstract

The merchant class, which contributed to the improvement of Russia, evolved due to politicial reforms. Especially in 1861 the emancipation reform of the Russian serfs caused social and culturel changes in the life of merchants. In 19th and early 20th century, the works of Russian genre painters P.A. Fedetov, A.P. Ryabushkin, V.G. Perov, F. Juravlev and B.M. Kustodiyev not only reflected the social situation and stereotypes of merchants, but also revealed cultural history of the mentioned class. In this paper it is aimed to disclose the evolution of merchant class in 19th and the early 20th century, observing and analysing the art of Russian painting in sociocultural perspective.