Fedor Vasilievich Sychkov was known for his genre scenes, which can be found in museums and collections worldwide. Born into a modest family in the village of Kochelaevo, in eastern Russia, the artist was fortunately taken under the wing of General Ivan Arapov, who lived in a neighboring village. It was thanks to him that Sychkov entered the School of the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts in St Petersburg. His obvious talent and perseverance enabled him to complete the course in three years instead of six, after which he entered the eminent Imperial Academy of Arts.

It is precisely his proximity to the rural life of his homeland, combined with his fine art education that makes him an accomplished genre painter. Indeed, his entire life and oeuvre are closely tied with his native Kochelaevo. After having completed his studies, Sychkov returned to his birthplace, where he dedicated his entire work to the depiction of his fellow villagers in colorful portraits and celebrations, such as weddings and folk festivals. This is the case with the Festive Day. The bright palette of reds and orange create a warm and joyful atmosphere that make the scene almost palpable to the viewer with its smiling and singing figures. The playing children and resting villagers are celebrating their day off with vivacity and joie de vivre.

Fedot Vasilievich Sychkov (1870-1958)

Fedot Vasilievich Sychkov was initially trained as an icon painter, but then turned to portraiture. From 1892 onwards he studied in St. Petersburg at the municipal drawing school and then at the Imperial Academy of Arts. After traveling through Italy, France and Germany Sychkov succeeded to establish himself in the Moscow and St. Petersburg art scene. The artist's extensive oeuvre comprises mainly peasant genre scenes and portraits. Sychkov found his motifs in his home country Mordovia and its surroundings.