The images and information presented below are for the instruction of students and scholarly research.
Boris Artzybasheff (Борис Михайлович Арцыбашев) (1899-1965)
Think that you may own a painting by Boris Artzybasheff? We authenticate, appraise, research and issue certificates of authenticity (COA) and provide consultations for all paintings by Boris Artzybasheff.
Warring Hands
Boris Artzybasheff was a Russian-born illustrator active in America, notable for his strongly worked and often surreal designs. Artzybasheff was born in Kharkiv, Russia (now in Ukraine), the son of Mikhail Petrovich Artzybashev. He is said to have fought as a White Russian. In 1919 he arrived in New York City, where he worked in an engraving shop.
Myths of the World illustrated by Artzybasheff
His earliest work appeared in 1922 as illustrations for Verotchka's Tales and The Undertaker's Garland. A number of other book illustrations followed during the 1920s. Dhan Gopal Mukerji's Gay-Neck, with his illustrations, was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1928. Over the course of his career, he illustrated some 50 books, several of which he wrote, most notably As I See.
Neurotica from As I See
Machinalia from As I See
During his lifetime, however, Artzybasheff was probably best-known for his magazine art. He illustrated the major American magazines Life, Fortune, and Time (including more than 200 Time Magazine covers over a 24-year span between 1941 and 1965). During World War II, he also served as an expert advisor to the U.S. Department of State, Psychological Warfare Branch.
Time Cover
After 1940, he devoted himself to commercial art, including advertisements for Xerox, Shell Oil, Pan Am, Casco Power Tools, Alcoa Steamship lines, Parke Davis, Avco Manufacturing, Scotch Tape, Wickwire Spencer Steele, Vultee Aircraft, World Airways, and Parker Pens.
Chemical Valley, 1941
His graphic style is striking, to put it mildly. In his commercial work, he explored grotesque experiments in anthropomorphism, where toiling machines displayed distinctly human personalities. In his personal work, he explored the depiction of vivid and extreme ranges of human psychology and emotion. His papers are collected at Syracuse University.
Executive of the Future, 1947
Still wondering about a 20th century Russian or American painting in your family collection? Contact us…it could be by Boris Artzybasheff.
