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Author Archives: Serge Gregory
What Attracted Chekhov to Levitan?
As a medical student grounded in science and the practical world, Chekhov wasn’t by nature enamored of artists. He had the example, close at hand, of his brother Nikolai who squandered his life through dissipation and indifference to his talent. … Continue reading
When Did They First Meet?
We don’t precisely know. Chekhov, still in school in Taganrog, visited Moscow for the first time during the Easter holiday in 1877. His older brother Nikolai was already attending the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, where Levitan was … Continue reading
Posted in Moscow School of Painting
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Archive Access
Accessing Russian archives appears today to be nothing like the frustrating experience many of us had in Soviet times. I’ve had an email exchange with the Russian State Archives of Literature and Art (RGALI) in which they’ve confirmed the documents … Continue reading
Posted in Archives
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Why “Antosha and Levitasha”?
They sound like affectionate nicknames, and they are. Given the formality of salutations in 19th century Russia, the fact that Chekhov and Levitan used these diminutives when writing and talking to each other reveals much about the closeness of their … Continue reading
Chekhov Uncensored
Most of Levitan’s and Chekhov’s letters were published in scholarly editions during the Soviet era–Levitan’s in a volume that came out in 1956, Chekhov’s in 13 volumes published between 1973 and 1983. However, in both cases the Soviet censors, acting … Continue reading
Levitan’s Mother
When you’re writing about people who were born over 150 years ago, they hold secrets that they will never reveal to you. For example, Levitan’s mother died in 1875 when the painter was 15 years old. In fact, she died … Continue reading
Posted in Levitan's Youth
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Famous Friends
I can think of only one other lifelong friendship between a famous writer and a famous painter comparable to that of Chekhov and Levitan–and it happened roughly during the same era. Emile Zola and Paul Cezanne were friends from childhood. … Continue reading
Antosha and Levitasha 