Petersburg Text: Ideological and Artistic Uniqueness of Sergey Arno's Novel “Doctor Ruysch and His Children”

Abstract

This study investigates the ideological and artistic uniqueness of contemporary St. Petersburg writer Sergey Arno’s novel “Doctor Ruysch and His Children”, which has not previously been subjected to specialized analysis. The work is examined within the context of its belonging to the literary phenomenon known as “Petersburg text.” Attention is given to defining this concept, exploring its history, and assessing its current state. It is demonstrated that the “Petersburg text” continues to exist in today’s literature. The author’s engagement with historical realities is noted, but it is emphasized that these are imbued with new original content and narrative variations. The unique thematic features of the novel “Doctor Ruysch and His Children” are identified. Original principles of textual construction (mise-en-abyme, metatextuality) are highlighted. Two narrative strands are distinguished. The first focuses on the foundation of the Kunstkamera as a significant cultural event in St. Petersburg, while the second delves into the enigmatic Dutch life story of anatomist Frederik Ruysch. An examination of the novel’s aesthetic characteristics follows. It is established that black humor, absurdity, satire, and grotesque serve as primary comic devices. These elements contribute to an innovative blend of fictional imagination and depictions of twenty-first-century reality, introducing fresh perspectives on historical narratives, unconventional approaches to plot motivations, and enhanced artistic value.