Kazimir Malevich’s Nationality
Kazimir Malevich’s nationality is a subject of ongoing debate, reflecting the complex historical context of his birthplace and the cultural influences he experienced. Here’s a breakdown of his background and how it might have influenced his work: Background and Nationality Influence on His Works Malevich’s cultural background and the geopolitical context of his time likely influenced his artistic philosophy and style, though not directly in terms of national themes. His work is more about abstract concepts than specific cultural or national motifs. In summary, while Malevich’s nationality is complex and debated, his artistic contributions were more about pioneering abstract art movements than reflecting specific national identities. His work remains a…
How to Verify the Provenance of Russian Art
Due Diligence in a Market Rich with History—and Complexity The Russian art market is one of the most intriguing—and most carefully scrutinized—in the world. With masterpieces from artists like Malevich, Kandinsky, and Kljun commanding millions, provenance is not just a formality: it’s a necessity. So, how do seasoned collectors verify that a work is the real thing? 1. Start with Documentation, Not Assumptions A serious seller provides a chain of ownership. This includes previous auction records, gallery sales, exhibition catalogs, and references in scholarly publications. If the paperwork starts after 1990, be cautious—many fakes emerged during the Soviet art “rediscovery” wave. 2. Check for Expert Attributions and Catalogues Raisonnés Reputable…
Andrianov, Piotr
Piotr Nikolaevich Andrianov 1916-1995 Piotr Nikolaevich Andrianov is an outstanding example of the best type of Soviet Era painting. He was born in Moscow in 1916 to the family of a workman. He finished elementary school and went to vocational college at an engine factory where he later became an engine repairman. His family of six depended on young Piotr and his father to be the breadwinners. But Piotr was eager to draw and began attending painting courses in the evenings. Once his tutor visited Piotr’s mother and told her that her son was a gifted painter and his talent needed to be nurtured. He advised her to let him…
Maevsky, Dimitry
Dmitry Ivanovich Maevskywas born May 17, 1917 in Petrograd (Saint Petersburg; Leningrad), Russia. From 1937-1939 Mr. Maevsky studied at the Repin Institute of Arts. He enrolled in the art workshop and studio headed by the famous Isaak Brodsky. Under Brodsky’s tutelage, he learned painting in the very best naturalistic tradition of Russian Landscape, inspired particularly by Isaac Levitan and other Masters of the late nineteenth century Russian School. Mr. Brodsky’s other notable pupils included Nikolai Timkov, Alexander Laktionov, Yuri Neprintsev, Piotr Belousov, Piotr Vasiliev, Mikhail Kozell and others. Mr. Maevsky’s extensive art education also included studying in the art workshops and studios of Piotr Buchkin, regarded as one of the…
Kossenkov, Vassiliy Petrovich
Vassiliy Petrovich Kossenkov takes his place among other renowned Soviet landscape painters such as Efrem I. Zverkov, Nikolai Efimovich Timkov, Vladimir Y. Yukin, and Vladimir Fedorovich Tokarev. These masters are brought together by openness, simplicity and delicacy. The emotional intensity of their paintings is rooted in their tender allegiance to their native land. Kossenkov was born in 1919 in the Smolenski Russian Region, or “Smolenshchina.” His father, who was a master carpenter and well-educated man, taught Kossenkov from childhood a great appreciation for art and beauty. He remained close to nature throughout his life, and traveled extensively throughout Russia, painting on location in all seasons and weather conditions. In 1937…
Semionov, Arseny Nikiforovich
ALEKSANDR MIKHAILOVICH SEMIONOVwas born February 18, 1922 in Torzhok. In 1940 Mr. Aleksandr Semionov graduated from the Tavricheskaya Street Art school in Leningrad. Since 1954 he participated in art exhibitions. Aleksandr Semionov became a member on the LCRAU in 1957. His paintings include landscapes, still life, views of Leningrad and ancient Russian towns. Personal exhibitions in Leningrad in 1987. Paintings by Aleksandr Semionov are in art museums and private collections in Russia and throughout the world. We have several pieces available, a good sampling. Explore artist stories, Russian avant-garde movements, and practical tips for navigating the fine art market—insightful reads for collectors and connoisseurs.
Tkachev, Mikhail Evdokimovich
Mikhail Evdokimovich Tkachevwas born in 1912 in a small town, Kalach, situated deep inside Russia. Ninety years ago Kalach was not even a town – just a beautiful Cossack village on the black soil not far from Voronezh. In spring the town is pink and white with blooming orchards. In summer it looks white as it is so hot at noon that you can hardly see other colors. There is a white-painted hut with blue shutters in Kalach. During the years of the revolution the house accommodated the staff of Budionny, who was one of the main heroes of the Civil War. In this house M. Tkachev spent his childhood…
Tatarinov, German Alexeevich
German Alexeevich Tatarinovwas born on September 26, 1925 in the Village of the Old Crosses, Yaroslavl Province. In 1961 Mr. Tatarinov graduated from the Moscow Printing Institute in the G. Epifanov workshop. Mr. Tatarinov received rigorous training in landscape, still life, and figurative subjects. He received public attention when he began participating in art exhibitions in 1964. He was accepted as a member of the LCRAU (Leningrad Chapter of the Russian Federation Artists Union) in 1972. Then, he was granted a personal exhibition in Leningrad in 1975. He became an Honored Artist of the Russian Federation in 2000. Today, Yaroslavl is a World Heritage Site, and one of the Golden…
Krantz, Vladimir Pavlovich
VLADIMIR PAVLOVICH KRANTZ What forms the essence of the Russian soul? What is dear to every heart? That particular warm feeling towards the wide expanse of harvest fields and the modest birch trees in early spring? The lyrical, contemplative character, which seeks for the response in a simple unpretentious view of native nature? The lyrical landscape is the genre of painting that evokes reciprocal feeling in every Russian, especially if it is done in such brilliant manner as that of Vladimir Krantz. The life itself made him an artist. He was lucky not to be forced painting in an official formal manner, glorifying the socialist labor. The artist simply polished…
Leningrad School of Painting
On our websites you will find many paintings you may recognize as works of art inspired by The Leningrad School of Painting (Russian: Ленинградская школа живописи). This refers to a group of Soviet painters, who from 1930 to 1950 founded in Leningrad the Reformed Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, unified by the Leningrad Union of Soviet artists. The history of the Leningrad School covers the period from early 1930 to early 1990s. It’s appearance was the result of the conflict resolution and reflect predominant trends in the development of Soviet art and artisanship at the turn of the 1920-1930s. It was accelerated in April 1932 by political offices of the Central Committee of the Communist Party…
