 |
Anatoliy PoroshkinRussian Soviet painter, graphic artist, teacher
Date of Birth: 15.11.1907
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Anatoly Nikolayevich Proshkin, a renowned Russian Soviet painter, graphic artist, and educator, was born on November 15, 1907, in Kharkov, Ukraine. His family, of merchant descent from the town of Oboyan in the Kursk Governorate, nurtured his artistic aspirations. After completing real gymnasium, Proshkin relocated to Leningrad with his older brother Victor in 1924. There, he enrolled at the Leningrad Higher School of Art and Industry (VKhUTEMAS), specializing in painting. Proshkin's artistic instruction was guided by eminent masters such as K. Petrov-Vodkin, G. Bobrovsky, A. Savinov, and A. Karev. He graduated in 1930 with the title of Artist of Painting.
Artistic Career
Proshkin's artistic career took flight in 1934 when he debuted his works at exhibitions. His paintings encompassed a diverse range of subjects, including portraits, genre compositions, and landscapes. He actively participated in the Leningrad Union of Artists from 1934 onward. During the Great Patriotic War, Proshkin served in the Leningrad and Volkhov Fronts, earning medals for his valor and steadfastness in the face of adversity.
Major Works
Among Proshkin's notable creations are his self-portrait (1929) and a series of captivating urban depictions: "Repin Square" (1937), "Children in the Park" (1938), "Prisoners of War" (1942), "Palace Square. Blockade" (1942), "Sinking of the Nazi Transport" (1942), "Repin Square" (1943), "Portrait of My Son Sasha" (1945), "Tugboat on the Neva" (1950), "On the Neva" (1951), "Leningrad. Nevsky Prospekt" (1951), "Vasilevsky Island Spit" (1953), "Neva" (1956), "Ostrovsky Square" (1956), "Mendeleevskaya Line" (1956), "Neva by the Admiralty" (1957), "Peter and Paul Fortress" (1957), "Construction of the Atomic Icebreaker 'Lenin'" (1959), "Neva by Dekabristov Square" (1959), "Nevsky District" (1961), "Leningrad. Ostrovsky Square" (1962), "Saint Isaac's Square" (1963), "By My Window" (1964), "Palace Square" (1970), "Winter Landscape from My Window" (1973), and "Fontanka" (1975).
Legacy and Impact
Anatoly Proshkin's artistic legacy is evident in the numerous artworks he created throughout his lifetime. His works have adorned the walls of the State Russian Museum and countless private collections worldwide, including those in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and other countries. His contributions to the Leningrad School of Painting and his pedagogical endeavors have left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape. Proshkin's keen observation of his surroundings and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life through his brushstrokes continue to inspire generations of artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Final Chapter
Anatoly Nikolayevich Proshkin passed away on June 16, 1986, in Leningrad, at the age of seventy-eight. His artistic legacy lives on through his evocative and enduring artworks, which serve as a testament to his exceptional talent and timeless appeal.
