The Thomas Kearns McCarthey Gallery is one of the foremost dealers in the United States dealing with Russian Impressionistic art. The Gallery maintains an extensive inventory of collectible works by Russia's most respected artists during the period of 1930 to 1980. The Gallery carefully selects paintings that are historically significant, original in composition, interesting in form and beautiful in their depiction of the human spirit. We have been working in Russia for many years and have developed close personal relationships with many of the artists and their families. Together with our associated gallery in Russia, Dacha Art, and our Russian partners, we maintain extremely close ties with the arts community in Russia and the former Soviet republics. In addition to our Russian specialization, the TKM Gallery is proud to work with talented artists from other countries who have the spirit of the Russian art.
Victoria Nikolaevna Kostenko, "Trees" 19¾'' x 25¼'', (50 x 64 cm) 1970, Pastel on Paper Estimated Value, $2,000 to $2,500, Current Bid $250
There may be no better way to start a collection of Russian Art than to follow our monthly no reserve no minimum auctions. Every month we select a great painting and let you, our friends, go for it. Sometimes the painting sells above the estimated price, but often times it goes far below. This is a fun way to keep up with what is new at the gallery, to put a little excitement in your life, and at the same time add to your Russian art collection!
Congratulations to C. Willoughby who placed the winning bid of $1,000 for April's auction painting "Dneprovskey Tune" at $3,000- $3,500 and K. Thorkelson who had the high bid of just $500 to win April's second auction painting "Summer on Dacha" estimated at $3,500- $4,000.
For May we are again pleased to offer TWO great auction paintings, "Trees" by Victoria Nikolaevna Kostenko and "Spring" by Konstantin G. Molteninov.
Bidding begins at $250, followed by minimum bidding increments of $250. The auctions will end Monday, April 30th at 6:00 pm.
Konstantin Georgievich Molteninov, "Spring" 21¾'' x 25½'', (55 x 65 cm) 1965, Oil on Canvas Estimated Value $1,750 to $2,250, Current Bid $500, C. Willoughby
Vladimir Pavlovich Krantz Master of the Lyrical Landscape
Vladimir P. Krantz
"The Birches"
19¼'' x 13½'', 1971, Oil on Board, $4,600
For our collectors of landscapes we are pleased present a small exhibition by one of the great landscape artists of the Soviet period, Vladimir Pavlovich Krantz.
Krantz was a master of the lyrical landscape and considered Nature as a his main teacher. He was drawn to the simple beauty of the Northern Russian forests and the seascapes of the Crimea. He painted with a unique eye towards nature's mystery, and his works rivet the eye by their romantic mood and masterful technique. He had a special gift for capturing the special light that filters the Russian wilderness, each season bringing its own distinct glow and drawing the viewer into the landscape.
Krantz often visited the museum-estate of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin near Pskov. Admiring the poet, Krantz presented the museum a series of 44 landscapes in different seasons.
Krantz, Vladimir Pavlovich, (1913-2003 ) Mozdok, Northern Caucasia
-Was born 17 February 1913 in Mozdok, Northern Caucas.
-In 1940 V. Krantz graduated from the Architectural department of Leningrad Building Institute. -Began exhibiting in 1957. -A member of the LCRAU since 1972. -Noted as a landscape painter. -Personal exhibitions in Leningrad (1964, 1977, 1991, 1992, 1995). -Paintings by Vladimir KRANTZ are in Art museums and private collections in the Russia and throughout the world.
Russian & Soviet Impressionism Russia's Rich Cultural Heritage
Russia's rich cultural heritage represents the best of human creativity. Its literature, music, visual and performing arts and architecture are among the most profound, compelling and beautiful expressions of the human spirit.
Much of this rich heritage is well known in the United States, such as the writing of Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky, the music of Peter Tchaikovsky, Serge Prokofiev and Igor Stravinsky, the painting of Ilya Repin and Vassily Kadinsky, the architecture of the Kremlin and State Hermitage Museum and the dance of the Bolshoi Ballet.
Less well known in this tradition of creativity is the painting of the Russian Impressionist period, lasting from approximately 1930 to 1980. Russian Impressionism made an important contribution to the cultural heritage of Russia, but until recently, little has been known of its beauty and quality and its leading artists because of Soviet isolationism. During this period much of the cultural life in the Communist Soviet Union was denied Western exposure. The demise of Communism, the lifting of the Iron Curtain and the movement towards freedom and democracy of the newly formed Commonwealth of Independent States has allowed the world the opportunity to experience a unique and important historical past through the art work.
It is now being collected and recognized by art historians, museum directors, curators and collectors as some of the best art produced in the twentieth century.
"Soviet Impressionism"- Vern G. Swanson
From a unique set of circumstances that would be impossible to duplicate, Soviet Art from 1930 to 1980 was the 20th century's major realist school of painting. It powerfully expresses itself with a simple clarity of pictorial language, consummate adeptness and truthful portrayal of life. The Soviet artist acted as a willing collaborator with and portrayer of the aspirations of society. This contrasted with Western models where artists were typically alienated from their community. Acceptance will come, using the Soviet phrase, because it is "historically inevitable". It is already to a certain extent here with the pictures from the period increasingly passing through the sale rooms of Europe and North America. This book should give wider understanding of this underrated but artistically exciting movement in Soviet art.
The Gallery Welcomes George Handrahan & Olya Cheney
George Handrahan, "Bryce Canyon" 20'' x 30'', (50.80 x 76.20 cm) 2011, Oil on Linen $4,500
One of the great pleasures of being involved with the Gallery is the chance to work with and get to know the artists. They are, as a rule, wonderful people who have a perspective of life and vision that makes them interesting and fascinating as well as talented. This month we are thrilled to introduce two new artists to the Thomas Kearns McCarthey Gallery.
Olya Cheney, "The Barn at Park City"
22'' x 28'', (55.88 x 71.12 cm) 2011, Acrylic on Canvas, $1,500
Russia's rich cultural heritage represents the best of human creativity. Its literature, music, visual and performing arts and architecture are among the most profound, compelling and beautiful expressions of the human spirit.
