As for as the development of art of painting in Ukraine is concerened , one should remember that the early period referred to icon-painting, that began to develop in Kyivan Rus in the end of the 10th century. Icon painters- mostly monks- depicted Christ, the Virgin, angels and saints. Byzantine traditions were a model. Mosaic and frescos of St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv is one of the most distinguished among the memorials of that period. Portrait painting as separate genre appeared during the renaissance (the 16th century) and was strongly influenced by the icon tradition. Many Ukrainian painters were attracted to the new Academy of Arts in St Petersburg (1757) , which cultivated the classicist style of painting then popular in Europe. Ukranian art of the middle of 19th century was closely connected with the name of T. Shevchenko, who devoted most of his painting to Ukrainian interests. He was considered the father of modern Ukrainian painting. Shevchenko painted monuments of Ukraine.
Portrait painting as separate genre appeared during the renaissance (the 16th century) and was strongly influenced by the icon tradition.
Many Ukrainian painters were attracted to the new Academy of Arts in St Petersburg (1757) , which cultivated the classicist style of painting then popular in Europe.
Ukranian art of the middle of 19th century was closely connected with the name of T. Shevchenko, who devoted most of his painting to Ukrainian interests. He was considered the father of modern Ukrainian painting. Shevchenko painted monuments of Ukraine.