Russian Collectibles

Rare Soviet Era Photographs Capture the Life, Times and People That Shaped Soviet Impressionism Art

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:15:33 +0000

Rare Soviet Era Photographs Capture the Life, Times and People That Shaped Soviet Impressionism Art
By Paul J Frankenberg

Soviet Impressionism art comes in many forms and Dmitri Baltermants is recognized as the greatest Soviet photographer of the 20th century. As the principal photographer and photo editor of Ogonyok, one of Russia’s oldest weekly magazines, and as an official Kremlin photographer, Baltermants used film to capture images and events that mere words could not express. Over a span of five decades, he captured on film the life, the times, and spirit of the Soviet people and the nation they built.

Dmitri Baltermants was born May 13, 1912, in Warsaw, Poland. His father served in the Imperial Russian Army and was killed in the First World War. Years later, Baltermants graduated from the Moscow State University to become a math teacher, but fell in love with photography and began a career in the field of photojournalism.

During World War II Baltermants covered the battle of Stalingrad, the battles of the Red Army in the Ukraine, and the march to Berlin in 1945. He was wounded twice.

Just like his fellow photographers covering the Red Army during the war, Baltermants’ images were always censored by Soviet authorities in order to select only the photographs that reflected on the positive side of service in their effort to help boost morale. Some of his most captivating photos were suppressed, and were not released to the public until the 1960’s.

One of the Baltermants’ more famous images, called “Grief,” depicts a 1942 Nazi massacre in the Crimean village of Kerch. It shows the grief of village women as they search for the bodies of their loved ones. A powerful over saturated sky above, burnt in during the printing of the photo, makes the image even more dramatic.

Baltermants’ work during World War II stands out as particularly important because his photographs show the tragedy of war so comprehensively and truthfully that they have become symbols of a deep humanism. However, the tragedies of war marked only one period in Baltermants’ life.

Baltermants’ longest period of work began in the mid 1940’s and lasted into the 1980’s. For the Soviets, this was a time of major construction projects, space exploration, new leaders, and new contacts with other nations. Baltermants was on hand to cover all of these major new developments in Soviet government and society, and he captured all of these events on film.

Throughout this post World War II era Baltermants provided the most vivid, interesting and comprehensive photographic reports about the Soviet people rediscovering foreign countries, building giant power plants, and the emergence of the Soviet nation into the atomic age.

In all of these situations the top-quality work of the Soviet people was matched by the equally superb photographic reports by Dmitri Baltermants. He was a brilliant interpreter of the idea of “triumphant socialism.” Film was Baltermants’ artistic canvas, and his collective body of Soviet era photography became his contribution to the Russian impressionism and contemporary Russian art forms.

In the final period of his life, Baltermants worked less. However, he continued photographing the country’s leaders. And, it was in these photographs that he discovered a new Baltermants. From his archives, he collected images which represented almost half a century’s worth of portraits of the figures of power. This was the “anatomy” of Soviet power. And, it was during this period that Baltermants realized that he and his camera had witnessed the transition of a nation, and it was his visions that the nation’s people saw and remembered.

Dmitri Baltermants died in 1990.

It was also during 1990 that the Russian government authorized the production of a photographic portfolio to celebrate the life and work of Dmitri Baltermants. A total of twenty-five portfolios were produced, each containing a set of prized photographs. Every image was marked with the photographer’s original stamp and was signed by Tatiana Baltermants, Dmitri’s daughter, on her father’s behalf. Each set was placed into a black silk portfolio case with a certificate of authenticity. And, no further photographic prints will be made from these negatives except for purposes of copyright and exhibition.

Now, these limited edition photographic portfolios rival the finest Russian art in terms of their historical value and emotional impact.

To learn more about Dmitri Baltermants, to view the full range of photographs contained in these limited edition commemorative portfolios, or to discuss a portfolio purchase, please contact the L.P. Cline Gallery located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We are direct importers of Contemporary Russian Art and Soviet Impressionism Art and have been in business since 1981. Call 423-265-4786 or visit our website at http://www.LPCline-Russian-Art.com for more information. (This article submitted by Paul Frankenberg, The eBiz Marketing Coach, providing Advanced Internet Marketing Strategies for Small Business at http://www.eBiz-Marketing-Coach.com.)

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‘The Kiss’ Lacquer Box

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:12:23 +0000

‘The Kiss’ Lacquer Box - $ 390.81
Diameter: 6.4 inches, height: 1.4 inches. Russian jewelry box with lacquer miniature painting. Hand made, hand painted and hand lacquered by a professional Russian artist trained in miniature painting. The tradition of miniature painting was brought to Russia from the West back in the 17th century. From the dawn of the 19th century Russians started producing lacquered boxes painted in their own styles. The box before you is not only a jewelry box. It is also a unique work of art. Treat yourself or your loved one to one of them, and it will be a gift to cherish for a lifetime. This box is 100% authentic. Fully hand made. Imported from Moscow, Russia.

Cinderella Coach

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:11:37 +0000

Cinderella Coach - $ 392.49
Gilt carriage base. Two doors open to show satin cushion inside. FREE shipping within the USA, Canada and the UK. Delivery time: approximately 3-4 working days.

‘Lenin’s 100th Anniversary’

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:10:53 +0000

‘Lenin’s 100th Anniversary’ - $ 393.08
Authentic Russian silver podstakannik or tea glass holder. Literally, podstakannik means ‘under the glass’ or ‘for the glass’. Less expensive ones were used on Soviet trains during the Soviet era, while more expensive and elaborate ones have been used from time immemorial by Russian aristocracy, then by Soviet leaders, now by the new Russian capitalists. Your tea will taste Russian only when drunk from an original Russian glass holder imported from Moscow. And this is what we sell. Heat-tempered etched crystal glass insert (volume: 200 ml or 7 oz) included with any glass holder order for FREE. Podstakannik always makes a great gift!

Goose Egg Clock

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:09:58 +0000

Goose Egg Clock - $ 395.95
Approx 17 cm high. Quartz battery, wide range of colors. Clock face edged with high quality crystal chain. Stand is shaped like open rose flower. FREE shipping within the USA, Canada and the UK. Delivery time: approximately 3-4 working days.

Birch Bark Samovar

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:09:18 +0000

Birch Bark Samovar - $ 398.33
Dimensions: approx. 12′ x 12′ x 12′ Metric: 30 x 30 x 30 cm Type: decorative Made of: Siberian birch bark Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation Product Details The beautiful samovar in front of you is a handmade samovar. The whole samovar is made of bark of Siberian birch-trees. It is a nice 100% original samovar from Tomsk, the heart of Siberia. Would definitely make a wonderful gift to anyone interested in Russian culture. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: SAMOVAR HISTORY Samovar is a purely Russian invention. It is used for making tea. In the 17th century tea was delivered to Russia from the territory of West Mongolia and it was used as medicine among the nobility. Tea was a competitor of ’sbiten’, the most favourite drink in Russia back then. Its components were: hot water, medicinal herbs and honey. In the 18th century in the Urals and Tula samovar-kitchens were invented. They were divided into three parts - two of them devoted to meals cooking, and the third one wholly devoted to tea-making. Sbitennik and samovar-kitchen were samovar prototypes. There were different ways of manufacturing the first samovars. Samovars were produced in the Urals, Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Tula; and later in Vladimirskaya, Yaroslavskaya and Vyatskaya provinces. The first samovar factory was founded in Tula by Nasar Usitsin in 1778. This town of gunsmiths became famous throughout the world as the center of samovar manufacture. Tula had everything that was needed for such industry: rich ore mines, highly qualified masters skilled in working metals and location (Tula is situated only 200 kilometres south of Moscow). Samovar manufacture soon became to be very profitable. Handicraftsmen were quickly turning into manufacturers; workshops were transformed into samovar manufactures. In 1826 there were only eight samovar factories, whereas in 1896 there were already seventy. Samovars were made out of cupronickel, red and green copper, pinchbeck, and in special cases - out of silver. Some samovars were plated with gold or silver, but brass was always the basic metal. In the course of the centuries samovar shapes changed. By the end of the 19th century the number of samovar types reached 165. Yet, it was almost impossible to fully mechanize the samovars manufacture. Tools used for samovar making were not changing and by hand assembly allowed for only five-six samovars to be produced per day. The highest peak of samovar manufacture in Tula was reached in the 80s of the 19th century. Samovar was not only a feature of home comfort, the symbol of Russian hospitality, but also a kind of a mascot. Among articles of folk domestic art samovars occupy a special place. They are often viewed not only as domestic utensils, but also as real works of applied arts. Each true samovar master always wanted to astonish his customers by his creativity. Conservative design and durability in combination with decorative qualities draw interest to samovars of the people all over the world. Tula samovars were represented at many exhibitions in Russia and abroad. Manufacturers taking part at the exhibitions were constantly awarded with medals, the reprints of which often appeared on their samovars after that. Tula samovars were spread all over Russia. At the fairs one could find samovars of very different shapes: vase-shaped, pear-shaped, wine-glass-shaped, etc. Prices reduction in the process of manufacture caused standardization of samovar shapes. The so-called cylindrical samovars became widely spread. Originally Tula produced coal samovars (the water in them was heated up by charcoal), kerosene samovars and combined variants, the water in which could be heated up by any kind of fuel. Prices were set in direct dependence with shape, material and dimension of a samovar. Simple samovars were sold in bulk. Articles of complicated shapes (presents, samovars made to order) were sold by the piece. During the whole of the 19th century portable samovars were produced in Tula. As a rule, they were multi-sided, cubic and right-angled. Over the two hundred years, production technology improved considerably. Now presses and conveyor lines are widely employed. Casting under pressure is also widespread. At ‘Shtamp’ plant nickel-plating automatic line was introduced. Samovars here are decorated by art rolling. The plant produces samovars of different types: coal (of six versions) and - from 1956 - electrical (volume 2-3 litres; for buffets), combined and painted. Folk traditions keep on existing and developing. Gorgeous samovars - authentic works of art - are still produced in Russia. Samovars are still awarded with prizes and medals at national and international exhibitions.

Big Swan with 6 Ladles

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:08:12 +0000

Exclusive: Big Swan with 6 Ladles - $ 406.83
Height: 44 cm. Russian hand made item hand painted in the unique Khokhloma style. Khokhloma paiting on wood is a traditional type of Russian decorative work that was started in the second half of XVII century on the territory of what is today called Koverninsky region of Nizhnii Novgorod oblast. The name of this type of painting was given to it after the trade village of Khokhloma - also located in the Nizhnii Novgorod oblast. Khokhloma painting (or Khokhloma) is characterized by the original technology of painting wood gold without the usage of the metal itself. Various combinations of such colors as red, black and golden are characteristic of Khokhloma painting. This item is 100% genuine. Fully hand made. Imported from Moscow, Russia.

Antique Rare Shape Samovar 3

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:07:22 +0000

Antique Rare Shape Samovar 3 - $ 409.95
Antique samovar of unusual shape. No maker’s mark present. Good patina. No dents. Believed Russian. Height: 18 inches. Ships: within 2 business days from within the USA. Shipping & handling: FREE.

Kal’chugino Samovar

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:06:33 +0000

Kal’chugino Samovar - $ 414.58
Height: 16′ Volume: 5 liters (over 21 cups) Polished brass. Excellent working codition.

Antica Samovar (3 l.)

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:05:44 +0000

Antica Samovar (3 l.) - $ 419.95
Dimensions: height: 14 inches (35 cm), diameter: 4 4/8 inches (18.75 cm). Volume: 3 liters (approx. 12.7 cups). Type: electric. Voltage: 220 Volts, 1.25 KVt (no voltage converter necessary; simple ‘outlet adaptor’ is all you need). Availability: ships within 6-12 business days. Origin: Russian Federation. PRODUCT DETAILS: The gorgeous samovar in front of you is an authentic Russian electric samovar (fully functional and ready to make tea). It is 100% original, made and imported from Russia. Would definitely make a wonderful gift to anyone interested in Russian culture. Electric samovars use a coil to heat up water. This coil is rated for 220 volts but will work fine at 110 volts (the US standard), thus a Voltage Converter is not necessary. Radio Shack sells an ‘outlet adapter’ stock # 273-1406D. This will not convert the voltage but simply adapt the two large round prongs on the end of the samovar cord to fit into the two flat rectangular outlet holes used in US homes. Because you are using 110V there will be a small increase in the time needed to boil the water (this can be offset by starting with hot or warm water). To use your samovar simply pour water inside, plug it in and wait for it to boil. This will be your supply of hot water with which to make tea. 100% SAFE TO USE: The inside of the samovar has undergone a galvanic tinning (lead-free and 100% safe).