Transformation of the concept of ut picturа poesis and the new formula of presenting history in Russian art: Discussion concerning the academic hierarchy of genres in the Russian press in the 1860s

Abstract

The articles deals with two questions: (1) how, during the 1860s, the transformation of the hierarchy of genres developed in parallel with the formation of the “genre historique” in Russia, and (2) how Russian critics, basing themselves on the concept of the “sister arts”, reconsidered the status of history and genre painting. Over the centuries, “history painting” was at the apex of the hierarchy of genres. According to Horace's concept of ut pictura poesis and Aristotle's “Poetics”, history painting was associated with the high genres of poetry and tragedy. By contrast, genre painting occupied a low rank in the system of genres and was associated with comedy. The sister arts concept began to be revised during the 1830s, due to the emergence of the “genre historique” — a new formula for presentation of history. According to the concept of unity of literature and painting, works belonging to the new genre had to follow the principles of historical fiction and of the works of historians. In addition, the “historical genre” combined features of genre and history painting since it was formed as a consequence of the transformation of the academic hierarchy of genres. In Russian culture, literature had a higher status than the visual arts. For this reason, during this period critics advised painters to follow the example of contemporary literature and to to depict scenes from everyday life. At the end of the 1860s, journalists concluded that both “historical” and genre painting have the same objective — to depict the different sides of life — and that they are equally capable of capturing the interest of the public.