Measures 49 x 66 cm (approx. 19 x 26"). Original painting by Boris Popov, the artist's hand-written signature is in the bottom left-hand corner of the image. As written by the artist on the reverse, the painting is a portrait of a Soviet border guard, private Vladimir Reshetnikov (Владимир Николаевич Решетников) with his canine, Oscar, Mugur-Aksy. Mugur-Aksy (Мугур-Аксы

Measures 49 x 66 cm (approx. 19 x 26"). Original painting by Boris Popov, the artist's hand-written signature is in the bottom left-hand corner of the image. As written by the artist on the reverse, the painting is a portrait of a Soviet border guard, private Vladimir Reshetnikov (Владимир Николаевич Решетников) with his canine, Oscar, Mugur-Aksy. Mugur-Aksy (Мугур-Аксы) is a rural settlement in Tuva Republic, subject of Russian Federation, located almost on the border with Mongolia. This is approximately 3,100 miles east of Moscow. The paper tag affixed to the canvas on the reverse confirms that the painting had been approved for export by the Export Salon of the Artists Fund of the USSR and states the name of the artist, title of the painting, medium and size.

In very good to excellent condition. Even though the artist's style is characterized by very powerful bold brushstrokes and use of large quantities of paint, the paint is still intact and has not chipped off anywhere. Apart from the wear to the raw edge, the canvas is strong.

It is rather uncommon to come across a genuine original Socialist Realism painting from that era. Most of what is available is much more recent reproductions, mass-produced to decorate the walls of various organizations.

The artist, Boris Nikanorovich Popov (Борис Никанорович Попов, 1909-2001) was a prominent Soviet Russian painter, master of graphic arts, theater stage decorator. He started his career in the early 1930s as a theater stage decorator, working in theaters of Vladivostok, Achinsk and other theaters of the Soviet Far East and Siberia. Following that, he moved on to painting, specializing in portraits and landscapes. He took part in a large number of art exhibitions, played an active role in the Moscow Chapter of the Union of Soviet Artists, and was made Distinguished Artist of RSFSR (a very high Soviet-era official title of recognition bestowed very sparingly). His works are on exhibit in museums of Moscow, Krasnoyarsk, Donetsk as well as in several private collections.

Please note that the medal in our last photo is for size reference.

Please also note that the painting has been rolled for storage and will be shipped rolled in a sturdy postal tube.
$450.00  Add to cart