Azerbaijan Socialist realism


Sattar Bahlulzade (Russian: Саттар Бахлул оглы Бахлулзаде) was a 20th-century Azerbaijani Soviet landscape painter. He is known as a painter, graphic artist, landscape painter and caricaturist.
Bahlulzade created lyrical landscapes praising Azerbaijani nature, which were characterized by realism and detail. As a classical landscape painter he was especially famous for his second period of creativity (1940-1960). The artist's paintings were closely intertwined with the traditions of Azerbaijani art, and in the last years of his life the influence of Neo-Impressionism was manifested. Bahlulzade also created graphic works, including still lifes.
World museums preserve about 150 paintings and 30 graphic works by this artist.


Tahir Salahov (Russian: Таир Теймурович Салахов) was an esteemed Soviet and Azerbaijani painter and draughtsman, celebrated for his pivotal role in the art world. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, Salahov's journey into the arts commenced at the Azimzade Art College before advancing to the Surikov Moscow Art Institute. Early in his career, his work, particularly "The Shift is Over," garnered significant attention and acclaim, marking his prominence in the art scene.
Salahov's artistry is renowned for its embodiment of the "severe style," a movement within Soviet art in the 1960s that sought to provide a realistic, publicist view in contrast to the polished, idealized portrayal prevalent during the Stalin era. His masterpieces, notably portraits and scenes depicting the life of Baku oil workers, are lauded for their powerful expression and lack of idealization. Salahov's work underwent an evolution over the years, with his later pieces showcasing more peaceful, lyrical contemplations with evident Eastern influences, as seen in "Portrait of Grandson Dan." This transition is marked by smoother lines and a more sophisticated palette, highlighting his versatility and depth as an artist.
Salahov's contributions extended beyond his paintings; he was a key figure in several art academies and organizations worldwide, including the Artists' Union of the USSR and the Russian Academy of Arts. His achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, such as the People's Artist of the USSR and the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland." Salahov's legacy is cemented not only through his artworks but also through his significant impact on the cultural and artistic heritage of Azerbaijan and the broader Soviet and post-Soviet space.
For collectors and art enthusiasts, Salahov's work represents a crucial junction in the narrative of 20th-century art, bridging the gap between realism and the thematic, stylistic diversities of Soviet and Azerbaijani art. His paintings and drawings, many of which reside in prestigious museums, continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
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Salam Abdul-Kasum oglu Salamzade (Russian: Салам Абдул-Касум оглы Саламзаде) was an Azerbaijani and Soviet artist of the twentieth century. He is known as a painter, graphic artist, landscape, portrait and genre painter.
Salamzade created a number of genre, paintings, portraits and landscapes depicting scenes of nature in Azerbaijan. He visited the Near and Middle East several times, resulting in paintings about the life and nature of eastern countries. In his early works, the artist used a decorative and generalized manner of depiction, then moved to a careful elaboration of forms. His works have been exhibited in several countries around the world.