Christo Berberov, who graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Turin, worked mainly under the influence of the Italian painter Giovanni Segantini. Berberov was above all a landscape artist, with a strong preference for mountain scenery. He was especially drawn to high peaks, wide skies, and quiet natural spaces.
The tone of Berberov’s paintings is often elevated and poetic. He paid great attention to atmosphere, particularly to the effects of clouds, light, and air. These elements are handled with skill and sensitivity, giving his landscapes a sense of depth and calm. His technique is consistently strong and carefully controlled, which makes his work impressive even when the subject is simple.
Stephan Ivanov Impressionist and Icon Painter
Stephan Ivanov, a graduate of the Sofia School of Painting, stands out as one of the best Bulgarian Impressionists. He is also widely recognized as the finest icon painter in Bulgaria. His work combines modern artistic methods with a deep understanding of religious tradition Customized Turkey Tours.
Unlike most Bulgarian artists of his time, Ivanov often painted undraped figures, especially female nudes. This subject was generally avoided in Bulgarian art because of public taste and social norms. In this respect, Ivanov was almost alone, showing both courage and originality.
The Society of Modern Art and Its Growth
The younger of the two main art societies, the Society of Modern Art, had more members than the older Society of Bulgarian Artists. In 1906, during the Second Southern Slav Art Exhibition, the Society of Modern Art presented works by thirty-seven exhibitors. At the same time, the older society organized its own exhibition to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Sofia School of Painting, with twenty-three exhibitors.
This difference in numbers reflects the growing influence of younger artists and modern ideas in Bulgarian art.
Education and Artistic Development of Members
Most members of the Society of Modern Art were young men educated either abroad or at the Sofia School of Painting. Those who studied abroad, mainly in Germany, returned strongly influenced by foreign artistic movements. However, these influences usually faded after a short time.
Graduates of the Sofia School of Painting began their careers by imitating the conventional styles taught by their professors. Yet this influence also did not last long. The common feature among all members was their love of nature as it truly is, without artificial rules or traditional mannerisms. This shared attitude gave modern Bulgarian art a fresh and honest direction.