ANNENKOFF, George (1889-1974). Autograph Manuscript. (c.1930). Fifteen-page autograph manuscript. An extremely important manuscript assembling Annenkoff’s thoughts on the evolution of Russian art from Peter the Great through the Soviet era. Annenkoff is best known for his portraits of Russian writers and artists published in the book Portraits, descriptions of members of the Soviet government published in the book 17 Portraits and illustrations for Alexander Blok’s poem The Twelve. He illustrated many books, worked in theater and as a teacher during the years 1918-1919. He moved to Paris in 1925, where he participated in major exhibitions, worked as a book illustrator, and created works for theater and movies. Annenkoff begins: "Let’s agree: Russian literature and music are in the forefront of world art. The glory of the Russian theater is recognized by everyone. But in painting the situation is drastically different -- we definitely lag behind Western Europe, which is led by Paris." He mentions such artists as Repin, Lentulov, members of the "World of Art" circle, Benois, Somoff, Bilibin and many others. About Chagall he writes: "The first real master in Europe is, of course, Chagall. The bright national characteristics of his art do not absorb the quality of painting, instead -- they only add importance." The manuscript is the size of a small French notebook and is in an excellent state of preservation. (The last two pages, written in pencil, appear to be a rough draft of a letter to unknown recepient.) Extensively corrected and revised.

• Category: Manuscripts / Autograph Letters
• Keywords: Art · Manuscripts · paris · Russian · sf
• Language: Deutsch
• Inventory number: 6591LB

Our Price: USD 3,750.00