Orientalist Heritage of Richard Zommer (1866-1939)

The purpose of this study is to examine Richard Zommer’s artistic career of the Central Asian and Transcaucasian period and to evaluate his contribution to development of Russian orientalism in art. The objects of this research are his numerous artworks depicting life, culture and landscapes of Central Asian and Transcaucasian countries. It is done by using several required research methods: formal-stylistic and cultural-historic methods. The works that are of interest for the research can be found in various museums of Central Asia, such as museums of Uzbekistan and Georgia, catalogues of auction houses and private collections. Upon examination of these paintings, it becomes clear that Zommer created authentic realistic works which illustrate a specific approach of depicting Orientalist motives both in a stylistic and ethnographic character and played significant role in development of orientalism in art in various Asian countries, but his role in development of Russian art is not as crucial as it could be. This research provides valuable information on Richard Zommer’s biographical details and analysis of his artistic activity of the late 1890s to the late 1930s.