There are generations of stunning and inspiring Russian art, but you do not have to go back far to find brilliant artists and individual pieces. When you head to art auctions, you can find a lot of relatively modern art from this area of the world. Knowing more about some of the more recent pieces and artists makes it easier to know exactly what you are looking for and allows you to explore different styles.
Vladimir Donatovitch Orlovskii
For most of his life, this artist lived in Russia. He was born in 1842 and died in 1914 after moving to Genoa, Italy. His Crimean landscape art won him numerous awards, and landscapes were his primary focus. Those interested in landscape art are sure to find his work both beautiful and inspiring. Some of his most famous pieces include:
-Harvest
-The Missive
-Winter Sunset
Aleksandr Gerasimov
This artist graced the world from 1881 to 1963, leaving a number of inspiring and iconic pieces in his wake. He focused on Soviet leaders for the most part and visual arts were a common choice. One of his most famous works is of Joseph Stalin, a leader who remains well-known throughout the world for his actions during his leadership. When you are exploring Gerasimov’s work, make sure to check out:
-Feast on a Collective Farm
-Stalin and Voroshilov at the Kremlin
Nicolai Semenovich Samokich
A painting called The Anichkov Bridge is one of the most famous paintings created by this Russian artist. Like most of the artists here, Samokich was most famous for his landscape art, but he also did a lot of work with genre painting.
Petr Petrovich Vereshchagin

PETR PETROVICH VERESHCHAGIN (Russian Federation 1836-1886) “High Water of River Pisava” Oil on canvas
This Russian artist actually used an American style, with his primary focus being on landscapes and cityscapes. In the wilderness of the Urals, he painted plein-air and was the first artist to do so. His inspiration stemmed from where he lived and his life. He created works based on where he traveled and what he saw. The other men in his family were mostly all artists too. He was born in 1843 and lived until 1886. Some of his most famous works include:
-View of Palace Square, St. Petersburg
-Landscape from Crimea
-View of the River Chusovaya
-View of the River Dnieper
-Tatar Square in Tiflis
-View of Perm
-Street is Tiflis
Now you know more about relatively modern Russian art and the pieces and artists that are shaping and inspiring current generations. You can head to the art auctions with this knowledge so that you can better explore the modern Russian art and determine which pieces and artists fascinate you the most.
To learn more about consigning or buying Russian art, visit michaans.com. Attend one of our Free Wednesday Appraisal Events from 10am to 1pm. Drop-ins welcome!