Contemporary art Union of Russian Artists


Boris Izraelievich Anisfeld (Russian: Борис Израилевич Анисфельд) was a Russian-American painter, set designer, illustrator, and educator, celebrated for his vivid use of color and imaginative scenery. Born in Bessarabia, Russian Empire, in 1878, Anisfeld's artistic journey led him from the Odessa School of Art to the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg, where he absorbed the influences of prominent artists like Ilya Repin and Igor Grabar. His distinct style caught the attention of Sergei Diaghilev, leading to his work with the Ballet Russe before World War I.
Anisfeld's contributions to art extend beyond his canvas, as his theater designs for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes and collaborations with notable figures like Michel Fokine and Anna Pavlova showcased his ability to blend fantasy with performance. His work with the Ballets Russes, including designing the production of "Sadko" and executing the visions of other celebrated artists for stage sets, marked a significant period in his career before he immigrated to the United States in 1917.
In America, Anisfeld continued his legacy, taking on roles such as a teacher at the Art Institute of Chicago and contributing to the cultural landscape through his stage designs and paintings. His work is recognized for its innovative approach to color and form, bridging the realms of painting and theater design to create immersive, emotionally resonant artworks. Anisfeld passed away in 1973, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Anisfeld's work represents a fusion of Russian and American art traditions, enriched by his imaginative approach and vibrant palette. His contributions to the development of modern art and theater design underscore the enduring relevance of his creative vision.
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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.


Filipp Andreevich Malyavin (Russian: Филипп Андреевич Малявин) was a Russian artist whose journey from a novice in a monastery to a renowned painter in Europe is as vibrant and eccentric as his artworks. Born into a poor peasant family in the village of Kazanka, Samara province, Malyavin's early fascination with art propelled him from creating clay figurines and drawings in his village to studying under the tutelage of Ilya Repin at the Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts. His unique approach to painting, characterized by large canvases, the bold use of the color red, and dynamic brushstrokes, distinguished his work from his contemporaries.
Malyavin's most notable early works include "Peasant Girl Knitting a Stocking" and "Laughter," the latter of which, despite initial criticism for its unconventional portrayal of Russian women, earned him a gold medal in Paris and was acquired by the Museo d'arte moderno in Venice. His portraits, such as those of Baroness Wolf and Mme. Popova, along with his depiction of peasant life, brought him fame both in Russia and abroad.
His art reflects the rich colors and patterns of the traditional clothes of the Kazanka peasants, bringing a sense of cheerfulness and vitality that transcended the somber reality of peasant life. His work "Three Babas" exemplifies this style, capturing the women in vibrant attire against a rural backdrop, conveying a sense of nostalgia for his homeland after his emigration in 1922.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Malyavin's works offer a unique glimpse into the soul of Russian peasant life, infused with an exuberance and color that set them apart from the works of his peers. His pieces, such as "Whirlwind," "Laughter," and "Peasant Women," are celebrated for their distinctive style and emotional depth, making them valuable additions to any collection.
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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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Stepan Petrovich Yaremich (Russian: Степан Петрович Яремич) was a multifaceted Ukrainian artist and art historian, whose career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His profound contributions to art history and preservation, particularly during the tumultuous post-revolutionary period in Russia, underscore his significance beyond his work as a painter. Yaremich's expertise in Western European drawing, bolstered by his years in Paris where he amassed an impressive collection featuring masters like Watteau and Fragonard, highlighted his remarkable connoisseurship.
Educated in Kiev and Paris, Yaremich was associated with the "World of Art" movement and worked closely with figures like Alexandre Benois. He was not just an artist but a respected art expert, often involved in the restoration and cataloging of Russian and Western European art. His time at the Hermitage and Russian Museum showcased his dedication to art preservation, contributing significantly to the fields of art history and conservation.
Yaremich's artistic legacy includes landscapes of St. Petersburg, Venice, and other locales, characterized by a unique approach to color and form that distinguished his work from his contemporaries. Despite the critical acclaim, it was his behind-the-scenes work as an art historian and conservator that solidified his enduring impact on the art world.
Collectors and experts in art and antiques will find Yaremich's work both compelling and significant, underlining the importance of not only creating art but also preserving it for future generations. For updates related to Stepan Petrovich Yaremich, including sales and auction events, sign up for our newsletter. This subscription will keep you informed about the latest findings and opportunities to acquire works associated with this remarkable figure in art history.