Alexander Gerasimov was taught by the leading Impressionists of the Moscow school. He inherited their love of wide and vigorous painting and wealth of golden ochres, which corresponded well to the artist’s own impulsive nature. "Troika" is closely linked to the images of Russian folklore and classical literature. The subject was also inspired by the artist’s own impressions of the black earth region of Russia, with its expanses and wide roads. Gerasimov wanted to convey a merry soul personified, the thrilling atmosphere of travel in a troika, the rhythmic gallops of young, healthy, and obedient horses. He employed an asymmetric Impressionist and fragmented forms. The young artist was interested in the idea of using paints to depict sounds. This aspiration is reflected in the title of an early version of this canvas — "The Bark of Dogs and Ring of Bells (Symphony") (1912, Tretyakov Gallery).

Gerasimov Alexander

Gerasimov, Alexander Mikhailovich
1881, Kozlov — 1963, Moscow
Painter, graphic artist, theatrical designer, architect. Studied painting (1903-10) and architecture (1910-15) at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture and worked at Konstantin Korovin's studio. Contributed to exhibitions (from 1906).