Birches Forest Edge was also translated Betula Forests, which was the name of a realistic landscape painting created by the Russia painter Levitan (1860-1900) in 1888. Now it is collected in the Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow's Tretyakov.
In 19th century, Levitan was one of the most representatives in the field of landscape in the Russian critical realism in art. Levitan once went to Italy, Switzerland and France for investigation and nursing because of his constant overwork. There he was exposed to the rising French Impressionist outside light, which had a certain effect to change his painting style.
In this painting, Levitan tried to depict the light and airy sense of the birch forest under the sunlight, with distinct Impressionist style. The landscape paintings of Levitan were generally themed by the ordinary rural scenery, endowing the nature with the special meaning. The 24-year-old young painter became friends with the writer Chekhov and developed a good relationship. Under the inspiration of Chekhov, Levitan more closely contacted with characters with the democratic thoughts, making his own landscape art with contemporary significance. His works showed the excitement, joy and confidence for life. The works that Levitan created always had a monumental composition and simple and concise art language. He made highly generalization of the natural landscape to create a comprehensive image with deep thought of Russian nature.
Levitan's works were permeated with the spirit of patriotism, exotic and poetic exquisite scenes, and full of nationalistic feelings. Birches Forest Edge by Levitan was such a landscape painting. The painter used the lyrical style to poetically exhibit the irreplaceable charm of the birch forest, letting people enjoy the beauty feeling and the natural ecological beauty.
Birches Forest Edge
