Among the remaining artists of the older school, most can be described as conventional in style. They followed established rules and familiar methods without strong personal innovation. A good example of this type is Petko Klissurov, whose work remained faithful to traditional forms. Other artists, such as Boris Mihailov, relied heavily on the imitation of foreign masters, often adopting styles that were popular abroad rather than developing an individual artistic voice.
Otto Horelsha (Terek) A Special Case
One artist from this group deserves special mention: Otto Horelsha, also known as Terek. He was one of the earliest foreign artists to settle in Bulgaria and became closely connected with Bulgarian artistic life. Horelsha can be considered one of the finest painters of quiet and melancholic landscapes in Bulgaria Customized Turkey Tours.
Some of his best works were inspired by the battlefields of the last Russo-Turkish War. These historic locations gave him powerful and emotional subjects. Among his most notable paintings are “Russian Cemetery at the Peak of St. Nicholas” and “On Shipka, Twenty-five Years After.” These works combine calm natural scenery with deep historical memory, creating a reflective and solemn atmosphere.
Strengths and Limitations of His Work
Although the choice of subject in Horelsha’s paintings is strong and meaningful, their execution sometimes shows a certain conventionality. The treatment of composition and technique follows traditional patterns and lacks full artistic freedom. As a result, while the emotional impact of the themes is clear, the artistic form does not always rise to the same level as the subject itself.
Changing Relations Between Art Societies
At first, the rivalry between the two Bulgarian art societies was intense. Each group strongly defended its own ideas and criticized the other. Over time, however, this hostility lessened. In some cases, members of the younger Society of Modern Art returned to the older Society of Bulgarian Artists.
These changes happened for different reasons. Some artists disagreed with their younger colleagues, while others developed friendly and professional relationships with older artists. As a result, boundaries between the two groups became less strict.
Artists Who Returned to the Older Society
Among the most notable artists who left the younger society and rejoined the older group were Christo Berberov and Stephan Ivanov. Their return shows that artistic life in Bulgaria was dynamic and evolving, shaped not only by ideas but also by personal relationships and practical circumstances.