Famous Russian Critics & Connoisseurs

Sergei Diaghilev was a prominent Russian art critic, patron, and ballet impresario known for founding the Ballets Russes. His career can be divided into two distinct periods: one in Saint Petersburg and the other as an emigrant. During his time in Saint Petersburg, Diaghilev made significant contributions to the art world, while his emigrant phase saw him continuing to nurture and promote talented dancers and choreographers. His legacy includes launching the careers of numerous renowned figures in the ballet industry.

César Antonovich Cui was a Russian composer, music critic, and member of the Belyayev circle and The Five, a group of composers focused on developing a uniquely Russian style of music. In addition to his musical pursuits, Cui served as an officer in the Imperial Russian Army, attaining the rank of Engineer-General. He also taught fortifications at Russian military academies and authored several monographs on the subject. Cui's professional life was characterized by his dual roles in music and military education, showcasing his diverse talents and interests.

Viktor Borisovich Shklovsky was a prominent Russian and Soviet literary theorist, critic, writer, and pamphleteer, known for his association with Russian formalism. His significant contributions include the publication of "Theory of Prose" in 1925, which solidified his reputation as an influential figure in literary and cultural theory. Shklovsky's work continues to be highly regarded by scholars and critics, with accolades highlighting his intellectual prowess and impact on Russian cultural life. His legacy endures as a key figure in shaping twentieth-century literary discourse and theory.

Nikolay Gavrilovich Chernyshevsky was a prominent Russian literary and social critic, journalist, novelist, democrat, and socialist philosopher. He is often recognized as a utopian socialist and a key theoretician of Russian nihilism and Narodniks. Despite facing exile to Siberia in his later years, Chernyshevsky remained a dominant intellectual figure in the 1860s revolutionary democratic movement in Russia. His work was highly regarded by influential figures such as Karl Marx, Georgi Plekhanov, and Vladimir Lenin.

Nikolai Gumilev was a prominent Russian poet, literary critic, traveler, and military officer. He co-founded the Acmeist movement, a literary group that sought to reject the vagueness of Symbolism and focus on clarity and concrete imagery. Gumilev's works were characterized by their vivid imagery, exotic themes, and rich language. He was known for his innovative approach to poetry and his contributions to Russian literature. Despite his untimely arrest and execution by the Cheka in 1921, Gumilev's legacy as a pioneering poet and literary figure endures.

Ivan Kramskoi was a prominent Russian Realist painter and art critic who played a significant role in the Wanderers art movement from 1860 to 1880. He was known for his intellectual leadership within the movement and his contributions to the development of Russian art during that period. Kramskoi's work reflected the principles of Realism, focusing on portraying everyday life and the struggles of ordinary people. His paintings often conveyed deep emotion and social commentary, establishing him as a respected figure in the art world of his time.

Vissarion Grigoryevich Belinsky was a Russian literary critic known for his Westernizing tendency. He played a key role in shaping the career of poet and publisher Nikolay Nekrasov and his magazine Sovremennik. Belinsky was influential among the younger generation and primarily focused on literary criticism due to lesser censorship compared to political writings. He believed in the importance of society over individualism while advocating for the expression of individual ideas and rights. Belinsky opposed the role of Orthodoxy, emphasizing reason, knowledge, and criticizing autocracy and theocracy.

Andrei Bely was a prominent Russian novelist, Symbolist poet, theorist, and literary critic. He gained recognition for his novel "Petersburg," considered a masterpiece of modernist literature. Bely was known for his commitment to anthroposophy and admiration for Rudolf Steiner. He had a significant influence on Russian literature and culture, with the prestigious Andrei Bely Prize named in his honor. Bely's poetry was also celebrated, with his works being set to music and performed by renowned Russian singer-songwriters.

Ignatiy Igorevich Vishnevetsky is a Russian-American film critic, essayist, and columnist known for his work with The A.V. Club, Mubi.com, and the Chicago Reader. He co-hosted the nationally syndicated film criticism television show Roger Ebert Presents: At the Movies with Christy Lemire. Vishnevetsky has established himself as a respected voice in the film industry, offering insightful critiques and analysis of various films. His contributions to film criticism have garnered him a dedicated following and solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the field.

Korney Chukovsky was a renowned Russian children's poet known for his catchy rhythms, inventive rhymes, and absurd characters. He was often compared to Dr. Seuss for his imaginative storytelling. Chukovsky's popular poems like "The Monster Cockroach," "Crocodile," and "Wash-'em-Clean" have been beloved by generations of Russophone children. He also translated works by authors such as Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, and Oscar Wilde into Russian, demonstrating his versatility as a writer. Additionally, he was a respected literary critic and essayist, contributing significantly to Russian literature.

Nikolay Alexandrovich Dobrolyubov was a Russian poet, literary critic, and journalist known for his contributions to the Russian revolutionary movement. He gained recognition for his insightful literary critiques and was admired by notable figures such as Karl Marx and Lenin. Dobrolyubov's professional life centered around his writing and activism, where he used his platform to advocate for social change and challenge the status quo through his works. His legacy remains influential in the realms of literature, criticism, and revolutionary thought.

Vyacheslav Ivanovich Ivanov was a prominent Russian poet, playwright, Classicist, and literary theorist of the Symbolist movement. He was a philosopher, translator, and literary critic. Ivanov played a key role in the Pre-1917 Silver Age of Russian Poetry, presiding over a literary salon and mentoring influential figures like Anna Akhmatova and Boris Pasternak. His avant-garde dramatic theories influenced directors like Vsevolod Meyerhold. After emigrating to Italy, he converted to the Russian Greek Catholic Church and defended Christianity in debates, enhancing his reputation in the West.

Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev was a prominent Russian Slavist and ethnographer renowned for compiling an extensive collection of nearly 600 East Slavic and Russian fairy and folk tales, including those from Ukraine and Belarus. His work, published in eight volumes between 1855 and 1867, solidified his reputation as the Russian equivalent of the Brothers Grimm. Afanasyev's dedication to preserving and sharing folklore led to a lasting legacy as one of the most significant figures in the field of Slavic studies and cultural preservation.

Nikolay Konstantinovich Mikhaylovsky was a prominent figure in Russian intellectual circles, known for his contributions as a literary critic, sociologist, and writer on public affairs. He played a key role as one of the theoreticians of the Narodniki movement, advocating for the interests of the common people and critiquing the prevailing social order. Through his insightful analyses and writings, Mikhaylovsky influenced the discourse on literature and society in Russia during his time, leaving a lasting impact on the intellectual landscape of the era.

Ivan Kireyevsky was a prominent figure in Russian intellectual circles during the 19th century. He was a philosopher, literary critic, and publicist known for his contributions to Slavophilism. Kireyevsky was a key figure in the movement that sought to establish a unique Russian identity separate from Western European influences. He was a prolific writer who championed traditional Russian spirituality and culture, advocating for a return to Orthodox Christianity and a rejection of Western rationalism. His works had a lasting impact on Russian philosophy and cultural thought.

Valery Bryusov was a versatile figure in Russian literature, excelling as a poet, prose writer, dramatist, translator, critic, and historian. He played a prominent role in the Russian Symbolist movement, becoming one of its key members. Bryusov's professional life was marked by prolific literary output and a commitment to exploring new forms of expression. His works and critical writings contributed significantly to the development of Russian literature and influenced the literary landscape of his time.

Tikhon Nikolayevich Khrennikov was a prominent Russian and Soviet composer, pianist, and General Secretary of the Union of Soviet Composers from 1948 to 1991. Known for his political activities, Khrennikov composed a wide range of music including symphonies, concertos for piano, violin, and cello, operas, ballets, chamber music, and film scores. He gained recognition in the 1930s as a leading Soviet composer and was appointed to his influential role by Andrei Zhdanov during the anti-formalism campaign. Khrennikov's professional life was marked by his contributions to Soviet music and culture.

Konstantin Sergeyevich Aksakov was a prominent Russian critic and writer known for his contributions as one of the earliest and most notable Slavophiles. He wrote plays, social criticism, and histories of the ancient Russian social order. Aksakov was recognized for his analytical skills, particularly in his assessment of Gogol's work Dead Souls. He also played a significant role in advising Tsar Alexander II on political matters, advocating for the restoration of the zemsky sobor. Additionally, Aksakov made notable contributions to Slavonic linguistics through his writings and articles.

Mark Aldanov was a prolific Russian and French writer and critic, renowned for his historical novels. He gained popularity with his first book on Vladimir Lenin, which was translated into multiple languages. His trilogy of novels delved into the roots of the Russian Revolution, while his tetralogy focused on the Napoleonic wars. Throughout his career, he authored 16 major literary works, along with numerous articles and essays. Aldanov's impactful contributions to literature were reflected in his 13 nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Apollon Aleksandrovich Grigoryev was a prominent figure in Russian literature, known for his multifaceted contributions as a poet, literary and theatrical critic, translator, memoirist, and composer of popular art songs. He played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of his time through his insightful critiques, translations of foreign works, and memorable poetry. Grigoryev's works were widely appreciated for their depth and artistry, establishing him as a respected figure in the literary and musical circles of 19th-century Russia.

Fyodor Aleksandrovich Abramov was a Russian novelist and literary critic known for his focus on the challenging lives of the Russian peasant class in his works. He depicted their struggles and hardships with critical acclaim, despite facing reprimands for deviating from Soviet writing policies. Abramov's professional life was marked by a commitment to portraying the experiences of the common people in a way that often challenged the prevailing political norms of his time, showcasing his dedication to authentic storytelling.