Current and past Catalogues

For the past 18 years Douwes Fine Art has been presenting its latest acquisitions of 20th century Russian paintings at the Dutch Fine Art Fair - PAN Amsterdam - each year accompanied by a dedicated catalogue typically showing 30-50 works. In addition, throughout the year we exhibit an extensive collection of Russian paintings at our Amsterdam Gallery.

For the PAN 2008 Douwes Fine Art released a comprehensive catalogue covering the different schools, styles and periods, with no less than 40 pages.

The latest Douwes Fine Art catalogue
was released at the PAN 2008.

If you are interested in one or more of our (previous) catalogues, click here
Please note that some are no longer available. The cover of each year's catalogue can be seen in detail on the right.

Russian Social Realism and Impressionism in the twentieth Century

About the important question whether Social Realism is an art movement or a dictated style we are indebted to art historians like Matthew Cullerne Brown, who published several important books on this subject.

The former Soviet Union has always been a melting pot of international "avant-garde" painters, who participated in art movements like Parisian Cubism, German Expressionism and Italian Futurism. With their ideals and artistic imagery they became part of socialistic politics, which culminated in the revolutionary outburst in 1917. However, shortly after Lenin came to power this modern movement, including Malevich' Suprematism and Tatlin's Constructivism, was abolished.

Gradually during the 1920's, the new form of art became Social Realism. This style of painting was allowed to flourish for more than half a century because the Soviet system did not allow foreign influence at any level. During this period up-and-coming artists were obliged to attend the disciplinary academics of art. It was clear that artistic survival within the system called for patience and a creative spirit. For those who did not want to subject themselves to this communistic atmosphere there was always the escape towards the "neutral" subject matter of landscapes, portraits, nudes, still-lifes, ballet- and genre scenes.

In search of their artistic freedom, painters realized that an impressionistic brushstroke served their choice of subject matter best.

Towards the 1940's and 1950's their palette became more colourful. Especially after Stalin's death in 1953 these characteristics of Social Realism became the norm.

After the liberalisation of the former Soviet Union during the mid 1980's, the search for talent and quality amongst the art community was initiated by curious art critics, collectors and museum curators from abroad. To this first group of connoisseurs it was clear that talent, creativity, imagination and freedom of spirit could not be manipulated by the political system.

From a historical point of view, Social Realist art has been the most important movement during the 20th century. After all, it represents the spirit of society over several generations and should never experience any limitations.

In various countries throughout the world this period of Russian Socialist Art and Socialist Realism is important enough to inspire the astute collector and feed museum interest. Formidable collections and exhibitions have since been initiated in Japan, the USA and Europe. For many art lovers this could be the first introduction to this suppressed period in the history of art. However, during the past decade, it has become clear that there is a growing public interest and recognition of Social Realism.

The aspect of "every day life" illustrated through colourful and emotional paintings shows the loyalty, temperament and endurance of Russian characteristics: love for life, for the people and their native country! It is our fondest wish to enhance cultural support by stimulating a true passion for collecting these original "documents" worldwide!

Evert Douwes Jr.