This birch wall cabinet was designed and produced in the 1880s by artist Elena Polenova, who was closely associated with Savva Mamontov and his circle in Russia. Savva Mamontov was a wealthy businessman and a great patron of the arts. He invited artists to live and work on his estate at Abramtsevo, near Moscow, promising them: ‘… you will not make a mistake if you settle down in Moscow. Moscow is a source of unique and fresh impressions for an artist.’ The Abramtsevo artists studied traditional Russian culture and their output enjoyed world acclaim, winning gold medals at the 1900 Exhibition in Paris.
From 1884 Polenova managed the woodworking workshops at Abramtsevo, and designed furniture and other objects. Her designs were not just replicas of traditional forms, but sensitive reworkings of traditional patterns and types to create a new style.
Physical description
Wall mounted cabinet, of painted birch, Russia, 1880-1890. Designed by Elena Polenova, made at the Abramtsevo Workshop.
Place of Origin
Russia (made)
Date
1880-1890 (made)
Artist/maker
Polenova, Elena, born 1850 - died 1898 (designer)
Abramtsevo Workshop (maker)
Materials and Techniques
Painted, carved and gilded birch
Dimensions
Height: 56 cm, Width: 50 cm, Depth: 23 cm
Object history note
There are other examples of this wall cabinet, with similar decoration. One, purchased at the Newark Antique Fair, was offered to the V&A in 2005 and another was sold by Blairman & Son to the Los Angeles Museum of Fine Art.
Historical context note
The artist Elena Polenova was closely associated with Savva Mamontov and his circle in Moscow. From 1884 she managed the woodworking workshops at Abramtsevo and designed furniture and other objects. Her designs were not just replicas of traditional forms but sensitive reworkings of traditional patterns and types to create a new style.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Karen Livingstone and Linda Parry, eds., International Arts & Crafts (V&A: V&A Publications, 2005), p.261.
Exhibition History
Life and Art: Arts and Crafts from Morris to Mingei (Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Nagoya 12/06/2009-16/08/2009)
Life and Art: Arts and Crafts from Morris to Mingei (Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo 24/01/2009-05/04/2009)
Life and Art: Arts and Crafts from Morris to Mingei (The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto 13/09/2008-09/11/2008)
International Arts & Crafts (Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco 18/06/2006-18/08/2006)
International Arts & Crafts (Indianapolis Museum of Art 27/09/2005-22/01/2006)
International Arts & Crafts (Victoria and Albert Museum 17/03/2005-24/07/2005)
Labels and date
International Arts & Crafts
The artist Elena Polenova was closely associated with Savva Mamontov and his circle in Moscow. From 1884 she managed the woodworking workshops at Abramtsevo and designed furniture and other objects. Her designs were not just replicas of traditional forms but sensitive reworkings of traditional patterns and types to create a new style. [17/03/2005]
Europe and America 1800-1900, room 101
WALL CABINET
1880-90
Russia, Abramtsevo; designed by Elena Polenova
Birch, carved, gilded and painted
Museum no. W.4-2004
Purchased with the aid of a gift from Mrs Mowbray Garden
The artist Elena Polenova was closely associated with the wealthy art patron Savva Mamontov and his circle in Moscow. From 1884 she managed the woodworking workshops at his estate, Abramtsevo, and designed furniture and other objects. Her designs were not just replicas of traditional forms but sensitive reworkings of traditional patterns and types to create a new style. [2006]
Associated names
Mamontov, Savva
Materials
Birch
Techniques
Painting; Carving; Gilding
Subjects depicted
Flowers
Categories
Furniture; Folk Art
Collection code
FWK
