Artistic originality of paintings on the theme of the Great Patriotic War in the creative work of A. P. Kholmogorov

Abstract

The paper analyzes original approaches by the RSFSR People’s Artist A. P. Kholmogorov to the theme of the Great Patriotic War revealed in the artist’s paintings and texts. The latter sources have not yet been analyzed in biographical studies. The scientific novelty of the paper lies in updating the content of the painting of the Soviet period associated with the theme of the Great Patriotic War heroes, in focusing on little-studied aspects of A. P. Kholmogorov’s creative work, as well as in introducing new sources into scientific use. These are diaries, articles in printed media outlets, and published interviews, which are presented to readers for the first time. As a result of analysing paintings and archival materials, the role of the specified topic in the artist’s creative work has been revealed. It consists in preserving the historical memory of the events and heroes of the Great Patriotic War. A. P. Kholmogorov’s paintings reflect historical events and convey an atmosphere of heroism and patriotism.