Experts believe that the Bryullov phenomenon was a landmark in the history of Russian and Western European painting relationships. Born in France, being of German descent, Karl Bryullov was the first Russian artist of Pan-European dimension, a member of Milan's Academy of Arts, Parma's Academy and the St. Luke Academy in Rome, and a fellow of the Art Academies in Florence and St.Petersburg. A huge press abroad, a gold medal at a Paris exhibition in 1834 - all this was the recognition of Bryullov as an outstanding master of his time. His mastership amazed contemporaries. He was seen as a perfect romanticist in temper and disposition.
