The letter of Rokuel Kent to A.M.Gerasimov

Written by Administrator

Stockholm, on March, 16th, 1950
Dear sir Gerasimov!
As soon as possible, when I have left Moscow last Saturday, I write to you to apologise that could not come on our meeting with you. It is connected with a number of circumstances which for the foreigner in Moscow were inevitable and with which I do not wish to burden you. There were almost 4 hours when I have come to gallery and has learnt that you, having waited nearby to hour, at last, have left.
Feeling awkward for that I have kept you waiting so long and in vain, I have to the full taken advantage of possibility to look a picture. I write to you about my personal impressions of works and I will begin with your great artist Repin. I consider that it is one of great portraitists of all times in the world. With feeling of special admiration I have looked its portraits of the general and Glinka. The big impression pictures Kramsky — it have made on me «the Portrait of the woman» and it «Vereschagin's Portrait», «the Portrait Dargomyzhsky» Makovsky's works, a portrait of painter Levitan and its bride of work of Serova. Among Levitan's landscapes special impression the rural scene has made a pas me. Then there were pictures of Jaroshenko and historical painting of Surikova. I was a sign with a portrait of "young Tolstoy» works Kramsky on published reproductions. Tolstoy has rendered on me a great influence in a life, and this portrait shows it in all greatness of its character.
It is a pity that I cannot agree with you that the modern art of Russia, that I saw, is comparably qualitative with art of old Russian masters. I appreciate masters of the pre-revolutionary period. Their art is that that it understand all. It originally a folk art. But giving due to realism of modern Soviet art and its strong desire to be exact in essence, I think that to it does not get those qualities which are important for me — invocations to feelings that would strengthen social value. Force of speech is reached not only that is told, but also as they say. Business not only in words, but also in a voice timbre. Here it, in my opinion, does not suffice in the advanced Soviet art.
Judging by those big achievements, which Russian people have in music, a choreography and drama art, and on my impressions from my meetings with people, I know that these qualities are inherent in Russian people. And I am assured that they eventually will be embodied and in the schedule and then your achievements in this art form will be to the full comparable to your great achievements in other art forms.
All that I have seen in Moscow, has made upon me strong impression and deeply me has touched. I hope once again to arrive, that it is even better to learn Russian people and his life to tell about it rightfully to my compatriots. Once again I ask to forgive me that was late for our meeting.
With the warmest memoirs on you and those whom I at you have met, I remain sincerely yours,
Rokuel Kent