About this artwork
Natalia Gonchorova played a vital role in the development of contemporary book illustration in Russia, with her first published work used as the cover for the 1910 Knave of Diamonds exhibition catalogue. In the portfolio Images of War, she uses the images of popular heroes from Russian history and religious icons to create a powerful, patriotic sentiment to her work. This print depicts the Archangel Michael, who leads god’s armies against the forces of Satan in the Book of Revelation. Goncharova is drawing a parallel here between the conflict of the First World War and the war in heaven, with the Russian forces on the side of the angels.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Natalia Goncharova (1881 - 1962) Russian
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title:'Archangel Michael' from the portfolio 'Images of War'
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date created:1914
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materials:Lithograph on paper
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measurements:Sheet: 32.90 x 25.20 cm; portfolio: 36.70 x 27.50 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 2004
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accession number:GMA 4805.7
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gallery:
Natalia Goncharova
Natalia Goncharova
Goncharova was born near Tula in Russia. While studying in Moscow, she met fellow artist Mikhail Larionov who became her lifelong companion and encouraged her to concentrate on painting instead of sculpture. As a prominent figure in the Russian avant garde movement, she was an exponent of the 'Neo-...
