Soviet Impressionism

The discovery and re-appraisal by art historians of ignored and underrated areas of art act as catalysts for engendering enthusiasm and appreciation among a wider audience. Such is the case with Soviet art of the 1930s to 1980s, which is now considered the twentieth century's major realist school of painting. Yet, during its heyday, and thanks to the politics of the Cold War and the shortsightedness of western critics, the treasures of Soviet artists of the period remained hidden, often, if not politically correct, languishing for years in artists' studios.Vern Swanson has given us a book illustrated with 176 colour plates, accompanied by an account of the tradition of painting for a proletarian society - 'art for the masses' - and how this developed into a full-blown form of Working-class Impressionism. The message was dictated by the policy-makers: the art should be readily understood and appreciated by the people, reflecting their hopes and aspirations for themselves and their efforts. The subject matter is the intimate life of the Soviet man, woman and child - at work in school, field, factory and mine, and at home and play.