Decorators Impressionism


Louise Abbéma was a French painter, sculptor, and designer, celebrated for her work during the Belle Époque. Born in Étampes in 1853 into an affluent Parisian family, she became well known for her portraits, particularly of the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt, and for decorative panels commissioned for various public buildings in Paris and the Palace of the Governor in Dakar, Senegal.
Abbéma's art often depicted the upper echelons of French society and reflected the Impressionist style through her light and rapid brushstrokes. She was also notable for her involvement in the women's movement, where she contributed to the emerging image of the 'New Woman' by portraying androgynous figures and themes of intellectualism and freedom.
Among her many honors, Abbéma was awarded the Palme Academiques in 1887, nominated as the Official Painter of the Third Republic, and in 1906, she became a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. Her works, such as "Lunch in the Greenhouse" and "Portrait of Sarah Bernhardt," have seen a resurgence in popularity as the contribution of women to historical art gains more recognition.
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Anatoly Afanasyevich Arapov (Russian: Анатолий Афанасьевич Арапаов) was a Russian and Soviet artist, born in St. Petersburg in 1876 and passing away in Moscow in 1949. His artistic journey began after graduating from high school in 1892, leading him to study at the Moscow Boundary Institute where he initially acquired artistic skills. Arapov's dedication to art became undeniable, prompting him to enroll in the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in 1897, where he was deeply involved in applied art, book design, and theater.
Arapov's early works, particularly around 1900 and 1910, were influenced by Symbolism, but he transitioned through a phase of Constructivism in the 1920s before dedicating himself to Socialist Realism from the 1930s onward. His versatile talent spanned across painting, graphic arts, and set design, making significant contributions to theater and film. Notably, he designed plays for leading theaters across major Russian cities and worked on popular films in the 1920s and 1930s.
His oeuvre includes portraits, still lifes, and landscapes, featuring views of ancient parks and Russian architecture. Arapov's works are celebrated for their stylistic diversity, capturing the essence of Symbolism, Constructivism, and Socialist Realism. His contributions are recognized in museum collections, including the State Tretyakov Gallery and the Saratov State Art Museum named after Radishchev, among others.
For collectors and art experts, Arapov's works offer a glimpse into the evolving art styles of early to mid-20th century Russia. To stay informed on sales and auction events featuring Anatoly Afanasyevich Arapov's art, signing up for updates can provide exclusive access to new discoveries and opportunities to acquire pieces by this multifaceted artist.


Charles Garabed Atamian is a French artist of Armenian origin born in Turkey.
He studied for a time at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, then worked as chief designer at a porcelain factory in Istanbul. In 1894, Atamian worked with a team of artists to decorate the new palace of Sultan Abdul-Hamid Il in Yildiz, on the European side of the Bosphorus. He designed, among other things, the patterns for the ceramic tiles of the palace walls.
In 1897, Atamian emigrated to France and began illustrating books and magazines, as well as working on sets for several Parisian theaters. Since 1903 Atamian participated in various exhibitions with unquestionable success. He painted landscapes, sea and beach scenes with children (including some 200 paintings at Saint-Gilles in the Vendée, where he resided each year during the summer months from 1923 to 1939). Throughout his career he was a fine portrait painter. He became a member of the National Society of Artists in 1927.


Pavel Petrovich Benkov (Russian: Павел Петрович Беньков) was a Russian and Soviet artist of the first half of the twentieth century. He is known as a painter, graphic artist, theater decorator, and teacher.
Pavel Benkov created portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, genre paintings. His style in his mature years can be described as impressionist, with attention to color and light. In 1929 he moved to Central Asia, where his style took on unique characteristics, reflecting local landscapes and culture. His work has had a significant influence on the painting traditions of Uzbekistan and Central Asia.


Mikhail Pavlovich Bobyshov (Russian: Михаил Павлович Бобышов) was a distinguished Soviet Russian painter, stage decorator, and professor, renowned for his contributions to the world of art. Born on November 7, 1885, in the Russian Empire and passing away on July 7, 1964, in the USSR, Bobyshov's artistic journey was marked by his affiliation with prestigious institutions and his recognition as a People's Artist of the Russian Federation. His work spanned various genres, including urban landscapes and portraits, demonstrating a unique style that blended realism with elements of impressionism, ornamentation, and decorationism.
Bobyshov's mastery in graphic art, particularly in book and magazine illustrations, as well as theatrical and decorative art, positioned him as one of the greatest masters of Soviet graphic art. His innovative approach to art was significantly influenced by the World of Art school, contributing to his legacy as a significant figure in the Leningrad School of Painting.
Among his notable works, "Evening in Moscow from the Series Victory Days in Moscow" stands out as an exemplar of his skill in capturing the essence of his subjects through gouache on paper. This piece, along with others, has been featured in prestigious auctions, highlighting Bobyshov's lasting impact on the art world.
For art collectors and experts, the work of Mikhail Pavlovich Bobyshov offers a rich tapestry of historical and cultural significance, encapsulating the essence of a pivotal era in Soviet art. His dedication to exploring and advancing the boundaries of artistic expression cements his status as a pivotal figure in the art community.
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Arthur Brusenbauch was an Austrian painter. Arthur Brusenbauch learned from Johann Kautsky and then worked as a stage decorator himself. He studied in Vienna at the Staatsgewerbeschule and the Academy of Fine Arts, interrupted by military service and imprisonment. In 1920 he became a member of the Vienna Secession, and in 1939 he moved to the Künstlerhaus. In 1928 he had represented Austria in the art competitions of the 1928 Olympic Games. From 1937 to 1941 he participated in all major German art exhibitions in Munich with seven oil paintings. There, in 1939, Hitler acquired the picture of Melk an der Donau in festive decorations. Brusenbauch, who is attributed to late impressionism, dealt with fresco painting and graphics.


Jacques (Ya'akov) Chapiro was a painter of the School of Paris.
Chapiro's works can be found in museums in the United States (Chicago), Russia (Moscow) and France (Jeu de Paume, Paris). As to his artistic style, it seems that Chapiro was fond of experiments. His many paintings are much different from one another; some are classified as Cubistic in style, some as Impressionist and others as Fauvist. Throughout his artistic career, Chapiro kept sketching in his unique signature, with a light and talented hand. It is in his realistic sketching, which are somewhat casual, that one can be truly impressed by his talent.


Karl Gatermann typically referred to in art circles as Karl Gatermann the Younger, was a German painter, graphic artist, and set designer. Gatermann trained as a decorator while working for his father in Zerbst. He attended art school at the Kunstgewerbeschule in Dessau in 1926 and from 1927 studied at Bauhaus Dessau. From 1935 until the beginning of World War II, he studied in Munich at the Academy of Fine Arts. As a set designer, he worked at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich as well as at the opera houses in Magdeburg and Bernburg; he also worked at Bavaria Film in Munich, on the sets of feature film Philine. After the war, Gatermann mainly painted landscape oil paintings from the Munich area. The Munich art publishing house Emil Köhn purchased many of his mountain paintings and reproduced them as art postcards. Gatermann declared himself as the first painter of the Munich parkland. His style approached late-impressionism during this period.


Serge Kislakoff was a French artist and decorator of Russian origin. He is the author of numerous film posters.
Serge Kislakoff painted city views and scenes (Montmartre, Paris boulevards, carnivals in Nice and Cannes), landscapes, harbour views (south of France, Sweden), religious subjects inspired by Old Russian painting. He was also involved in the restoration of church paintings.


Nikolaу Petrovich Krymov (Russian: Никола́й Петро́вич Кры́мов), born on May 2, 1884, in Moscow, Russia, was a renowned Russian and Soviet painter and art theoretician, celebrated for his contributions to landscape painting and art education. Krymov hailed from an artistic family, and his education in the arts was comprehensive, studying under prominent figures like Abram Arkhipov, Nikolay Kasatkin, Leonid Pasternak, Valentin Serov, and Konstantin Korovin at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. His artistic journey began with participation in student exhibitions in 1906, and his works were soon featured in major exhibitions, including those of the Blue Rose, the Golden Fleece, and the Union of Russian Artists, marking his integration into significant artistic circles of his time.
Krymov's early works were significantly influenced by Isaac Levitan's delicate vision of Russian nature, focusing on the subtleties of daily transitions and the beauty of the Russian countryside. This influence is evident in Krymov's ability to convey the ethereal qualities of light and atmosphere in his landscapes, which were appreciated for their emotional depth and technical prowess. Among his notable works are paintings like "Dawn" (1908), "On the Mill" (1915), "First Snow" (1917), and "Hot Day" (1920), all of which demonstrate his masterful handling of light, shadow, and composition to capture the essence of nature.
Krymov's career also included significant contributions to art education and theory. He was an active participant in the "Blue Rose" movement, where he explored symbolism and impressionism, later transitioning towards a more classical approach in his landscapes. This evolution in style reflected his continuous search for an ideal harmony between reality and fantasy in his works. His dedication to art was recognized with several honors, including the title of Honorary Art Worker of the Russian Federation and the prestigious Order of the Red Banner of Labour.
Krymov's legacy extends beyond his paintings to include his influence on future generations of artists through his teaching and theoretical writings. His works are housed in museums and private collections, where they continue to be celebrated for their contribution to the landscape genre and Russian art.
For art collectors and experts interested in the rich tapestry of Russian landscape painting, Krymov's works offer a window into the soul of Russian nature and the artistic movements of the early 20th century. To stay updated on new product sales and auction events related to Nikolay Petrovich Krymov, signing up for updates is highly recommended. This subscription ensures that enthusiasts and collectors alike are informed about opportunities to acquire pieces by this illustrious artist, celebrating his enduring influence on the world of art.


Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev (Russian: Бори́с Миха́йлович Кусто́диев) was a distinguished Russian artist and painter, celebrated for his vivid portrayal of the Russian culture and way of life. Born in Astrakhan in 1878, Kustodiev's artistic journey began at a young age, leading him to study under the renowned Ilya Repin at the Imperial Academy of Arts. His works, characterized by their rich color palette and intricate detail, capture the essence of Russia's social and cultural fabric during the early 20th century.
Kustodiev's art is notable for its depiction of Russian peasantry, landscapes, and bourgeois celebrations, embodying the spirit and vibrancy of Russian folklore and traditions. His paintings such as "The Merchant's Wife" and "Maslenitsa" are celebrated for their lush visual storytelling and are housed in prestigious museums, including the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg. These works reflect Kustodiev's fascination with the Russian merchant class and traditional festive gatherings, showcasing his skill in blending realism with a folkloric charm.
Beyond painting, Kustodiev's contributions to theatre and book illustration further demonstrate his versatile talent and deep connection to Russian cultural heritage. Despite facing personal challenges, including a debilitating illness that confined him to a wheelchair, Kustodiev's prolific output continued unabated, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enchant and inspire. His ability to capture the beauty and complexity of Russian life has made his work invaluable to collectors and experts in art and antiques alike.
For those intrigued by the rich tapestry of Russian culture and history as depicted through the lens of one of its most celebrated artists, we invite you to sign up for updates. Stay informed on new product sales and auction events related to the illustrious works of Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev. This subscription is your gateway to the vibrant world of Russian art, offering exclusive insights and opportunities for collectors and enthusiasts.


John La Farge was an American artist whose career spanned illustration, murals, interior design, painting, and popular books on his Asian travels and other art-related topics.
La Farge is best known for his production of stained glass, mainly for churches on the American east coast, beginning with a large commission for Henry Hobson Richardson's Trinity Church in Boston in 1878, and continuing for thirty years. La Farge designed stained glass as an artist, as a specialist in color, and as a technical innovator, holding a patent granted in 1880 for superimposing panes of glass. That patent would be key in his dispute with contemporary and rival Louis Comfort Tiffany.


Georges Lapchine was a Russian painter and stage designer.
He painted impressionist landscapes, flowers and still lifes. He designed opera sets and sets for the Folies Bergere music hall in Paris and the Sesame nightclub in Monte Carlo.


August Robert Ludwig Macke was an eminent German expressionist painter, founder and member of the Blue Rider association. His very colorful and individual style is today referred to as the Macke style, characterized by a harmonious combination of colors and the play of light effects. His favorite subjects of his works were sketches from the life of the city, as well as nature and man. The paintings of August Macke give an impression of joy and lightness.


Sergey Vasilyevich Malyutin (Russian: Сергей Васильевич Малютин) was a distinguished Russian painter, architect, and designer, celebrated for his multifaceted contributions to the world of art and design. Born in Moscow in 1859 to a merchant family, Malyutin's artistic journey began after an exhibition by the Peredvizhniki inspired him to pursue art. His formal education at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture honed his talents, leading to a diverse career that spanned painting, set design for operas and ballets, and architectural endeavors.
Malyutin is perhaps best known internationally for designing the first matryoshka doll in 1890, a seminal work that has become an iconic symbol of Russian culture. His involvement in the Arts and Crafts Movement influenced his work, integrating traditional Russian folk motifs into his designs and paintings. Notably, his architectural designs, including the Church of the Holy Spirit in Talashkino and the Pertsov House in Moscow, showcase his dedication to the Russian Revival movement, blending fantastic folk motifs with architectural creativity.
Throughout his career, Malyutin also played a significant role in education, teaching at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture and advocating for Socialist Realism. His contributions to Russian art were not limited to his creations; he was instrumental in founding the Association of Artists of Revolutionary Russia, emphasizing the importance of art in societal development.
For those interested in exploring the legacy of Sergey Malyutin, his works offer a window into the fusion of traditional Russian art with the innovative currents of his time. Collectors and experts in art and antiques will find his contributions to Russian arts and crafts, especially his role in the creation of the matryoshka doll, to be of particular interest.
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Koloman Moser, an Austrian artist, was a pivotal figure in the Vienna Secession movement and a co-founder of Wiener Werkstätte. His diverse portfolio includes graphic works, fashion designs, stained glass windows, ceramics, silverware, jewelry, and furniture. Moser's style, characterized by precise geometric patterns and a harmonious blend of colors, made a significant impact on 20th-century graphic art and design.
Koloman Moser's work extended beyond art; he designed currency and stamps, notably the Austrian-Hungarian 50 Crown Banknote and a stamp featuring Emperor Franz Joseph. His legacy is preserved in various museums, including the Museum of Applied Arts Vienna (MAK), which hosted a comprehensive exhibition to commemorate the centenary of his death.
For collectors and art enthusiasts, Koloman Moser's creations offer a unique glimpse into the evolution of modern design and the rich cultural tapestry of early 20th-century Vienna. To stay informed about upcoming sales and auction events related to Koloman Moser's work, signing up for updates is an excellent way to stay connected with this influential artist's enduring legacy.


Odilon Redon was a prominent French artist, renowned for his unique contributions to the Symbolist movement. His artistic journey began with a focus on charcoal and lithography, creating works known as "noirs" that reflected a deep, dream-like quality. Redon's art evolved to incorporate vibrant colors and themes, often inspired by Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Notably, his paintings such as "The Death of Buddha" and "The Buddha," alongside others, displayed his fascination with Eastern philosophies and their integration into his art.
Redon's works are celebrated for their evocative, almost mystical qualities, blending elements of the natural world with fantastical, often surreal imagery. His attention to detail in portraying flowers, plants, and imaginary creatures reflected his interest in natural sciences and botany. This interplay between the real and the imagined is a hallmark of his work, making him a pivotal figure in the Symbolist movement.
His influence is evident in various collections and museums. For instance, the Musée d'Orsay in Paris houses some of his most significant works, including his decorative panels for the Château de Domecy-sur-le-Vault. These panels marked a transition in his style from ornamental to more abstract painting. Additionally, the Getty Museum in California and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art hold significant collections of Redon's works.
For art collectors and enthusiasts, Odilon Redon's work represents a blend of imagination, deep emotional resonance, and a unique interpretation of Symbolist ideas. His ability to capture the unseen and give it form on canvas or paper makes his work a valuable addition to any collection.
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Nikolai Nikolaevich Sapunov (Russian: Николай Николаевич Сапунов) was a distinguished painter of the Russian Empire, celebrated for his contributions to the Symbolist movement. Born in Moscow in 1880, Sapunov honed his artistic skills at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture under the guidance of notable figures like Isaac Levitan, and at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. His artistic journey led him to design sets for the Bolshoi Theatre, the Moscow Art Theatre, and to collaborate with innovative directors like Meyerhold. Sapunov's still lifes, particularly those featuring flowers and china, stand among his best-known works. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 32 in a boating accident in Terioki, Finland, now known as Zelenogorsk.
Sapunov's legacy is anchored in his role as a key set designer in Russian theater, and his affiliation with influential art associations like the Moscow Association of Artists and the Blue Rose group. His art, characterized by emotional depth and a unique color palette, delves into themes of theatricality, festivities, and the ethereal world of still lifes, making him one of the early 20th century's most original Russian artists. A notable piece, "Peonies" (1907), exemplifies his mastery of color and form, earning a place in prestigious collections and exhibitions.
For collectors and art enthusiasts keen on exploring Sapunov's visionary world, his contributions to Russian Symbolism and his innovative set designs mark him as a figure of historical and aesthetic significance. His works not only captivate viewers with their beauty but also serve as a gateway to the cultural and artistic dialogues of his time. Rediscovered in recent years, Sapunov's oeuvre continues to enchant and inspire, embodying the spirit of an era marked by experimentation and the search for new artistic expressions.
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Irene Zurkinden is a Swiss painter. She gained a reputation as a sought-after portrait painter and often painted picturesque cityscapes in a style clearly based on Impressionism.
Irene Zurkinden also created costumes and sets for the City Theater of Basel as well as illustrated books.