Eastern European School, 20th Century

Казак [Cossack]

1952

Oil on canvas

Signed illegibly, titled, and dated to verso

Visible 11 1/16 in. x 15 15/16 in., framed to 16 3/4 in. x 21 7/16 in.

An oil portrait of a Cossack soldier wearing a Soviet uniform. He is seen smiling with a dark-collared shirt and a drab green cap featuring a red star insignia. While the Cossacks are typically known for being semi-nomadic and independent horsemen, they became involved in the Russian and later Soviet military starting in the 18th century. Under the rule of Stalin, Cossack traditions were essentially wiped out by forcing them to assimilate into Soviet culture. Here, in this example of Soviet-era Socialist realism, the subject of the portrait is rendered in a modern uniform typical of the mid-20th century.

While this portrait does have a signature on the back, it is hard to discern and is most likely written using the Cyrillic alphabet, making this an interesting research project. 

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio. 

[Art, Folk Art, Military Art, Etching, Engraving, Lithographs, Prints, Ephemera] [Soviet, Soviet Union, Soviet Art, Cossacks]