19. YÜZYILDA SANATÇILARIN GÖZÜNDE KAFKASYA VE RUSYA İMPARATORLUĞU
THE CAUCASUS AND THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE IN THE EYES OF ARTISTS IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Summary/Abstract: The Caucasus, with its majestic mountains, snow-capped peaks, and sharp rocks, deep gorges, flower-filled meadows, and dense forests, fast-flowing mountain rivers, and mirror-like lakes with the purest water, high skies, and clouds that are as strange as they are ever-changing, has inspired many distinguished artists to create beautiful paintings. Additionally, the proud and freedom-loving Caucasians, who live in this geography with their free spirits, unique cultures, and traditions, have also been the focus of artists attention. In fact, the Caucasus was a mysterious world for the Russian people and even the Western world. However, with the Russians turning their attention to the region, the Caucasus theme became more prominent in the fine arts. In this context, the Caucasus theme emerged during the period known as the “Caucasian War (1817-1864).” Indeed, in the 19th century, the Caucasus became the focus of attention not only for soldiers but also for scientists, travelers, historians, poets, explorers, writers, and, of course, painters. In fact, at the suggestion of the Caucasus governors, artists were also included among the Russian troops stationed in the Caucasus as chroniclers. They depicted not only battle scenes and historical events but also portraits of the Caucasus people, their daily lives, and, of course, the magnificent landscapes. The article evaluates both the artistic legacy created by the artists and the Russian perspective on the region.

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