"Self-Portrait" from the MMOMA collection is one of the best ones among the artist`s works. There is a number of his self-portraits, where the author is shown in a ways of different characters, with varied emotional soundings of composition. An exquisite coloring of this picture corresponds with the esprit of russian Symbolism. It is possible that Anysfeld was inspired by Vrubel`s palette and the artists of "Blue Rose" group. Ghostlike figure of Buddha that appears on the background like a kind of Fata Morgana points to the artist's interest in the Eastern culture. It is well known that orientalism was inherent to the aesthetics of the turn of the XXth century, consonant to the aspirations of the Art Nouveau. It is a determinative source for Anisfeld and it shows in most of his works.
Vladimir Prokhorov
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The name of Boris Anisfeld has only recently become prominent for a wide audience. Born in Russia, after the revolution he emigrated to the USA, where he lived a long and eventful life. His ouevre is closely connected to the new tendencies in art, to Art Nouveau and Symbolism. Anysfeld is a scenographer by vocation. His way to easel painting started from scene and costume design, and he was introduced to the bohemian circle of St. Petersburg by Sergey Diaghilev himself who invited Anysfeld to participate in the exhibitions of «Mir Iskusstva» ("World of Art"). Theater provided Anysfeld with a scope for imagination, courage in selection of the plot and a tender passion for scenic colorfullness.
(About the artist)
ММОМА Exhibitions:
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