Foreign Artists and Their Role in Early Bulgarian Art

During the early years after the liberation of Bulgaria, several foreign artists visited or lived in the country for short or long periods. Many of them worked as teachers in Sofia and other towns, while also producing artworks that later became part of the National Museum. Although their number was not large, their influence on the development of Bulgarian art was important and long-lasting.

Arndt and the Ruins of St. Sofia

The Dalmatian artist Arndt spent a short period in Bulgaria as a drawing teacher at the Gymnasium of Sofia. During his stay, he produced a remarkable pen drawing of the ruins of the Church of St. Sofia, one of the most ancient and symbolic buildings in the capital Travel Bulgaria.

In this drawing, the old church rises quietly behind a Turkish street lined with small, low huts. The contrast between the monumental Christian building and the modest houses in the foreground gives the scene a strong historical meaning. Arndt used very few technical means, relying on simple lines and careful composition. This sobriety gives the work great strength and clarity.

Because of its restrained style and thoughtful observation, this pen drawing is considered superior to many other artworks that deal with the same subject. Arndt succeeded in capturing the spirit of the place without unnecessary detail or decoration.

De Fourcade and the Light of Constantinople

Another important foreign artist in Bulgaria was the French painter de Fourcade, who also served as a teacher at the Gymnasium of Sofia. He is represented in the National Museum by four paintings depicting Constantinople.

These works had a strong influence on young Bulgarian artists, especially because of their lively use of colour and light. De Fourcade showed great skill in rendering graceful architectural details, as well as streets, houses, and human figures. His treatment of trees and bushes is particularly admired. Through the play of bright light and deep shadow, the greenery appears fresh and full of life, almost like bunches of green flowers.

His paintings introduced Bulgarian artists to a warmer and more expressive approach to colour and atmosphere.

Madame Sliapin and Russian Artistic Traditions

Madame Sliapin, a Russian artist, lived in Sofia for many years. She owned and managed a private school of painting, where she trained a number of young students. Her works, some of which are preserved in Bulgaria, are painted in the Rembrandt style, with strong contrasts of light and shadow.

Her subjects were typically Russian and often emotional in nature. One of her best-known works is titled “Passed Like a Dream.” Through her teaching and painting, Madame Sliapin helped bring Russian artistic traditions into Bulgarian cultural life.