Portraits by N.Y. Tretyakov in the 1950s – 1980s from the graphic collection of the Omsk Regional Museum of Fine Arts named after M.A. Vrubel

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of portraits created by Omsk-based artist Nikolai Yakovlevich Tretyakov (1926–1989), which are currently housed in the graphics collection of the Omsk Regional Museum of Fine Arts named after M.A. Vrubel. N.Y. Tretyakov is regarded as one of the most significant artists of the Omsk fine arts scene in the latter half of the 20th century. As a painter, graphic artist, and artist of monumental and decorative art, he made an exceptionally significant impact on the artistic and cultural life of the city. The artist's oeuvre is represented in the collections of several museums in Siberian cities. However, the most comprehensive collection of his work is held by the Omsk Museum named after M.A. Vrubel. The significance for this research is determined by the necessity to prepare a catalogue of the artist's graphic works. The material comprises portraits created using a variety of drawing techniques, including watercolour, as well as the mixed technique that was most popular with the artist. This article considers a selection of works by N.Y. Tretyakov, presented in chronological order, which illustrate the evolution of his artistic style and the development of his subject matter. The works are grouped according to their genres and themes, including nature drawings and watercolours, portraits on an easel in colour, caricatures, portraits of close acquaintances, motifs inspired by Kazakh culture, images of children, portraits of contemporaries, and self-portraits. The circle of people acting as models is outlined, and information is provided about some of them. Different approaches to the solution of images are revealed, and changes that took place in the artistic language of the master are traced. These changes are connected both with general trends in Russian art and with the internal logic of the evolution of N.Ya. Tretyakov's creativity and the peculiarities of his individual vision.