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The
more than 70 works on display reflect the rich cultural heritage of Russia
through the eyes of Ivan Djeneeff. Djeneeff was born a Russian aristocrat
who arrived in America in 1916. The political events involving the March
Revolution in Russia would change Djeneeff's life and art forever. Although
he did not know it at the time he would remain in exile in America from
1916 until his death. He arrived in New York City where he quickly realized
the difficult challenges he faced being in a foreign land. He had to adjust
to his new cultural surroundings while seeking a market for his creative
work. He would accept any commission he could find including portraits,
magazine illustrations and even designing bank notes. Djeneeff succeeded
in making a modest living as an artist despite the odds against him. The
memories of his lost homeland remained a powerful source of inspiration
for his art work throughout his career. Many of the paintings on display
reflect the beautifully rich historical and rural scenes of birch trees,
troikas (a carriage with three horses), water maidens (rusalki), boyars
and warriors (bogatyri) from his native land of Russia |
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