Before the Contemporary Era, individuality was an unestablished norm reserved strictly for those who possessed wealth or social advantage. Those below rarely engaged with this topic, and those who lingered in these existential patterns of thought were frequently labeled as nonconformist threats to society. Despite the challenges of the past, it can be argued that humans—despite steadily abandoning traditional norms and values—continue to disregard the importance of individualism. In modern society, we cling to frequent social patterns, beliefs, and behaviors because we find it difficult to distinguish ourselves from others. However, I believe that recognizing individuality is as much a self-reflective process as it is an external survey of what makes other individuals unique. I believe that by interacting with others or simply observing their behavior, appearance, shared emotions, values, and their role within society, we can distinguish ourselves through our unique experiences, character, and self-expression. Art is a great medium to help reflect on our individuality because every person will create their own perception of the art they engage with based on their preferences, values, and emotions. We can learn from art in unprecedented ways; every time I write an article from this column, I feel like I learn something new about myself and others. It’s a very valuable process, and I sometimes think about readers of The Stute and how they will form their own thoughts and opinions on my observations and the artists I select.
Having gone off on a tangent, I realize that I haven’t yet introduced this week’s artist. Vasily Vereshchagin was a celebrated 19th-century Realist painter from Russia who deeply infused pacifism into his depictions of war-torn countries and their inhabitants. Born to Russian nobility, Vereshchagin was placed into a military school from a young age. He would spend most of his life in the military, only taking the opportunity to enroll in art school once he had graduated from military college. However, he would quickly return to his military roots, accompanying the Russian army during their Imperial occupations in the Middle East as well as Central, East, and South Asia, charting a widely undocumented era of Russian colonial advancements. Despite frequently participating in battles, Vereschagin painted almost every campaign, landscape, or individual he witnessed. Although Vereshschagin’s paintings were considered largely idealized because of his early utilization of the Orientalist lens, his depictions of the East were received with shock in the Western exhibits. While his authentic depictions of the atrocities of warfare and the allure of Asian culture were well-received in the West, Russian and German autocrats criticized his work for its anti-war message.
My favorite piece by Vereshchagin is “Buddhist Lama in a Monastery on a Holiday in Sikkim.” Despite painting many scenes of war, Vereshchagin also depicted the people of the countries and regions he visited. I am particularly drawn to his skilled use of contrast to enrich the vibrance of the subjects’ robes and headpieces. While the background is rough and muted, it helps the viewer return their focus to the subject, allowing the subject to make a greater impression. Vereshchagin’s attention to detail in the artistry of the robes helps emphasize the cultural significance of the subject’s outfit. Finally, I recognize Vereshchagin’s emphasis on volume, as he actively portrays the lightness of the fabric through the effective use of shadows.
Vereshchagin’s work offers a notable reflection on individuality in the face of societal and political forces that often strive to suppress it. Through his paintings, he not only captured the landscapes and people he encountered but also conveyed a deeper message about the human condition. His ability to depict individuals with such distinction and attention to cultural details invites us to appreciate the diversity of human expression. In doing so, Vereshchagin’s art transcends the period in which it was created, offering timeless lessons about the significance of individuality, observation, and empathy.
