Fyodor Shurpin's Pictorial Heritage: a Study of Creative Method

The aim of this thesis is to examine the artistic legacy of Fyodor Savvich Shurpin by exploring his creative method through a comprehensive analysis of his lesser-known works, beyond his iconic painting "The Morning of Our Motherland". This study will delve into the historical and cultural contexts that influenced Shurpin's art, considering the socio-political dynamics of his time. By revisiting previously overlooked documents and canvases, this research intends to provide a more nuanced understanding of Shurpin’s contributions to Soviet art, highlighting his interactions with various artistic movements and his adaptation to ideological pressures. The research employs a multi-faceted methodological approach, including formal-stylistic, comparative, and iconographic analyses, as well as historiographical and sociocultural studies. Interviews with Shurpin's granddaughter, Lydia Shurpina-Brown, will offer personal insights that enrich the scholarly perspective. The analysis will focus on Shurpin's artistic techniques, thematic choices, and symbolic elements within his works, aiming to uncover the unique aspects of his style.