31. Gurko street (Veliko Tarnovo) [1930]

Nikola Tanev has been a leading figure in the development of modern Bulgarian art since the 1930s. Recognizable creative handwriting, lyricism, a sense of light, airiness and color are the main characteristics that make up Tanev's artistic world. The work "Gurko Street (Veliko Tarnovo)" is a summary of the author's artistic pursuits in the period. An impressive work, in the character of Nikola Tanev's work of the time, presents a cityscape bathed in gentle light. The artist's skillful handling of light shadows, contrasts, and delicate gradation of strokes is specific to such landscapes. Gurko Street in Tarnovo, depicted in the work, is a favorite subject both for Nikola Tanev and for artists such as Stoyan Vasilev, Boris Denev, Vasil Stoilov and others. The narrow street with the peeking colorful houses of Veliko Tarnovo captivates the painters. What is specific about Tanev in her presentation is his impressionistic approach, combined with the ideas of preserving the Native: "There are dozens of artists who at that time chose the national ideal and the national character as the basis of their value system. Tanev also makes his choice, and henceforth his painting is programmatically sought after and advertised, and sometimes - why not - and advertised as Bulgarian, as resurrecting the riches of our ancient times. This choice he follows with his characteristic fervor." With his work "Gurko Street (Veliko Tarnovo)", Nikola Tanev skillfully invites the viewer to immerse himself in the beauty of a Bulgarian city and mentally walk through the narrow streets. The artist, although best known for his Karlovci courtyards and representative city views, not only does not remain monotonous in his work, but quite the opposite - each of his landscapes carries its own color and, of course, Tanev's characteristic cast shadows. The artist's creative pursuits such as the introduction of perspectives independent of physical parameters, dynamics and large strokes can also be found in the present artwork. Nikola Tanev is a distinguished painter, a "figure of the first magnitude" in the history of Bulgarian art, who with his impressionistic flair, love and curiosity for the Motherland, contributes to its preservation in eternity. (A.M.)

References

Marinska, Ruzha (2000). Nikola Tanev. Sofia: ed. National Art Gallery

Dimensions

width 50 cm, height 66 cm, custom 66 × 50 cm

Description

oil on canvas, signed and dated bottom right, in red, "Nic. Taneff, (1)930“

Dating

1930

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