THE PROBLEM OF THE RELATIONSHIP OF ART TO REALITY IN THE WORK OF I.F. ANNENSKY

Abstract

This article explores the complex relationship between art and reality in the works of I.F. Annensky, a poet whose oeuvre has elicited varied interpretations over the years. The late 19th century, particularly the last three decades, is characterized by an inner contradiction: a profound disillusionment with populism and a loss of life's coherence (often termed the "philosophy of pessimism"), juxtaposed with a relentless quest for the ideal and new meanings of existence. The article highlights a growing trend towards historicism in thought, evident in Annensky's work, which reflects a return to the experiences of past centuries. His literary and civic stances were often perplexing to contemporaries, and even today, scholarly opinions remain divided. While Annensky's early lyrics resonate with Symbolism and modernist trends, this study reveals a deep-seated desire to engage with and comprehend reality. The authors conclude that Annensky's artistic vision emerged from a confluence of complementary yet sometimes conflicting influences, with a persistent focus on the representation of reality at its core.