Shchekotov, N. M.

[SIGNED] G. Riazhskii (George Georgievich Ryazhsky)

St. Petersburg: Soiuz Sovetskikh Khudozhnikov, 1935. Publihser's wrappers. Item #532

Book measures: 17.5 x 12.5 cm. 112, [4] pages: b/w and color illustrations. Text in Russian. Signed by the artist. Fine copy.

This artist's monograph, inscribed by George Ryazhsky himself, delves into the life and works of the renowned Russian painter, an Honored Artist of Russia and a member of both the Academy of Arts of the USSR and the Association of Artists of Revolutionary Russia (AHRR). Born into a peasant family in the village of Ignatyev, Moscow province, Ryazhsky's artistic journey began at the Moscow Prechisten evening classes for workers, dubbed the People’s Academy of Arts.

Ryazhsky's career was temporarily paused by his service in the first world war, after which he contributed to the Red Army's efforts by creating posters and decorating revolutionary festivities. His artistic development included a stint under K. Malevich at the State Free Art Workshops, later reorganized into VHUTEMAS.

Joining AHRR in 1923, Ryazhsky became a vital force in the movement to bring "Art to the masses!" A respected Communist artist and public figure, his works from the late 1920s and early 1930s are regarded as historical documents of the Soviet era. Ryazhsky excelled particularly in portraiture, focusing on the Soviet woman as an emblem of socialism. His notable works like “Rabfakovka,” “Pechatnitsa,” and “Delegate” celebrated the Soviet woman's role in societal development.

Ryazhsky’s international acclaim includes an honorable award – a great gold medal at the 1938 International Exhibition in Paris for his paintings “Delegate” and “Chairman.” His works are proudly displayed in major museums such as the State Tretyakov Gallery, the State Russian Museum, and others, immortalizing his contribution to Soviet art. This monograph provides an in-depth look at Ryazhsky's significant impact on art and culture.

Price: $250.00