Mid-20th Century Soviet Ukraine Era. Three Generations of Metal Workers. Charcoal on Paper

Mid-20th Century Soviet Ukraine Era
Three Generations of Metal Workers 
Charcoal on Paper.
Image size 24.4 inches x 22.6 inches ( 62cm x 57.5cm ).
Frame size 33.1 inches x 30.9 inches (84cm x 78.5cm ). 

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset is this original charcoal drawing from the mid-20th century Soviet Era. The drawing is by an unknown hand and stands astride anti-social realism, propaganda and political protest. Its geographical origin is Ukrainian or western USSR and represents important cultural heritage in a changing period of European history. 
The drawing is presented and supplied in a contemporary and sympathetic frame (which is shown in these photographs) mounted using conservation materials and behind non-reflective Artglass AR 70™ glass. 
This vintage drawing is in very good condition, commensurate with its age. It wants for nothing and is supplied ready to hang and display.

This is an original charcoal on paper drawing which dates from the late 1950s or early 1960s. The image is of three male figures standing together facing the viewer. The grouping and general alignment of the figures suggests that this is three generations of males from the same family, the youngest being only a boy. All three figures are holding heavy tools, at least two of these are large hammers, and the huge raised anvil which dominates the centre of the drawing shows this to be a blacksmiths or metal-working forge. The small window in the background suggests that this is a modest family enterprise, as opposed to a factory context. All three males are wearing simple working clothes and a cap on their head, with the two older men also wearing long aprons. 

The style of the drawing is notable and entirely congruent with the subject; there are repeated patterns of bold angular shapes, strong masculine lines and deep shading. The figures are front facing, yet not aggressive, upright and proud. This is an image which speaks about the power and dignity of the common working man.

This work is thought to have originated in the Soviet bloc, in either the region that is currently Ukraine or western Russia. In the 1960s Ukraine was part of the USSR, gaining its independence when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. We cannot name the artist of this particular work, but it is interesting to note that in both style and subject, this can be likened to the early works of Viktor Zaretsky, who was a well-known twentieth century Ukrainian artist and part of the “Sixtiers”. This was a group of artists in the 1960s who rejected the principles of Socialist Realism with their creativity. They were parr of a dissident movement, refusing to let their work serve the interests of the Soviet authorities. The themes of peasant minor labour and the travails of the common man were popular themes. This is very much the context and the message of this striking original artwork.

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