Meetings and Impressions

"Meetings and Impressions" is a memoir by Alexander Golovin (1863–1930), a renowned Russian painter and theatrical decorator who spent many years creating stage images for imperial theaters. The author recounts his life, creative endeavors and successes, and shares impressions from working in the theater and collaborating with leading masters of stage and painting. A special place in the book is occupied by descriptions of meetings with outstanding cultural figures of that time, including S. P. Diaghilev, V. A. Serov, V. I. Surikov, K. A. Korovin, A. N. Benois, L. Bakst, Z. N. Gippius, and others. The sincere tone and subtle observations of the author concerning the artistic life of the country and its participants make his memoirs not only a personal revelation but also a valuable historical source for understanding the Russian cultural environment of the late 19th to early 20th century.