The Girl with the Rake

Mykola Pymonenko was a renowned Ukrainian artist, celebrated as a master of genre painting and a creator of numerous works that captured rural and urban themes.

Pymonenko's art primarily portrayed scenes from the everyday life of Ukrainian peasants and nature. He is recognized for his expertise in genre, portrait, and landscape painting, playing a pivotal role in shaping the realism style within Ukrainian art.

The artist was born in Kyiv in 1862 to a family of icon painter. He began his artistic journey at the Kyiv Drawing School, under the guidance of Mykola Murashko. Later Pymonenko returned to the school as an instructor. In 1882, he enrolled at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts but had to abandon his studies in 1884 due to health issues and financial difficulties.

In the 1890s, he contributed to the decoration of St. Volodymyr's Cathedral in Kyiv, showcasing his versatility. 

Pymonenko's paintings were exhibited at international art shows in Paris, Berlin, Munich, and London. At the 1906 exhibition in Munich, one of his paintings earned a prominent position, leading to his recognition as an official member of the Munich Artists' Society. In 1909, his iconic painting "Hopak" was acquired by the Louvre, cementing his reputation. That same year, he was inducted into the French "International Society of Artists".

The artist passed away in Kyiv in 1912 due to liver disease. A posthumous exhibition at the Academy of Arts in early 1913 featured 184 paintings, 419 studies, and 112 pencil drawings. Over his lifetime, Pymonenko created a vast legacy of over 1,000 works.

The artist captured everyday life, customs, and traditions primarily through his oil paintings in the realist style.

One of his most acclaimed paintings, "Maundy Thursday" (1904), depicts the tradition of bringing home the blessed fire after a church service. The painting portrays two generations walking side by side, symbolizing the continuity of faith and tradition.

Another notable artwork of Mykola Pymonenko, "The Portrait of the Ukrainian Girl", embodies the folklore ideal of feminine beauty. The painting features a dark-haired, brown-eyed girl with a long braid, dressed in the traditional attire of Left-Bank Ukraine. Her calm yet enigmatic gaze engages viewers, adding depth to the artwork. These and other masterpieces by Pymonenko are available for sale at auction on the UFDA website.

Mykola Pymonenko is celebrated as a master of genre paintings that focus on simple yet poignant scenes of everyday life. His work often highlights labor, customs, and the daily lives of peasants, capturing weddings, encounters, and returns from work with heartfelt sincerity. Through his art, he painted a lyrical vision of Ukraine, filled with enchanting landscapes and vibrant people. His characters were often inspired by neighbors, bustling marketplaces, and familiar surroundings.