Sixty-six years ago, one of the strongest enemies the world has ever encountered was defeated under a joint effort by the Allies. Russia suffered the most during the war. The price paid by the Soviets is beyond comprehension. America lost 416,800 souls during the Second World War, the Soviets lost over thirty million--men, women and children. Hitler saw the Slavs as a subservient race, one that needed to be eliminated. For the Soviet and Russian people it was a war of either victory or complete elimination of both the "Motherland" as well as the Russian people. The Soviet people endured unimaginable suffering during the War. Few families were unscarred by the War.

It was the immense effort and sacrifice of the Soviet people which played the major role in destroying Nazi Germany. As a result, the Russian people today look at the Great Patriotic War in almost religious terms. The impossible victory over Germany stirs a sense of gratitude respect and nationalism throughout Russia.

Russia's artists of course were not spared the horrors of the 'Great Patriotic War'. Many served. Many died. But all Soviet artists who were alive during the war were profoundly affected by it. It was the preeminent event of their lives. All of their work was affected by the war. Even many years after the peace of 1945, many Russian artists were always close to their emotions whenever the topic turned to war. And, like many of the 'greatest generation' in the USA, the

Russian artist veterans are usually shy and humble about their efforts. But, these artists' lives and work seldom went long before the influence and experience of the war came to the forefront.

The Victory Day Parade and related celebrations held every May 9th are a solemn but victorious affair, one in which accomplishment is recognized above tragedy

A woman visits the grave of a Soviet Red Army soldier killed in WWII,  Moscow May 9, 2010

The Great Patriotic War Through the Artist's Brush

Arkady Plastov, " The Germans are Coming", July, 1941

Geli Korzhev, "Farewell"

Yuri Kugach, "Summer" 1941

Tkachev Brothers,  "Farewell to the Beloved Home"

Tkachev Brothers, "Comrades" From the series of paintings "They Fought for the Motherland"

A. Plastov, "After the Fascists's Visit"

K. Yuon, "Red Square Parade. (November 7, 1941)"

V. Oreshnikov, "Joseph Stalin"

N. Prisekin, "Our Cause is Just"

D. Oboznenko, "Nightingales Night"

A. Prokopenko "In the Stalingrad Trenches"

N. But, "Letter to Mother"

K.Yakupov, "The Artist, Sketches from the Front"

N.Deineka, "Sevastopol Defense"

V. Laktionov "Letter from the Front", McCarthey Gallery

G. Korzhev, "During the War"

Tkachev Brothers,"Years of Hardships"

G. Korzhev, "Clouds of 1945"

G. Korzhev, "Live Fortification"

D.Belyukin, "Splinters"

Y. Neprincev "Rest after the Battle"

V. Sibirsky, "Storming of Berlin"

Tkachev Brothers, "Life Again"

B. Fedorov, "Native Land"

Mikhail Kugach, "Coming Back"

V. Licho, "Please Don't Cry Grandpa"