Konstantin Ivanovich Rudakov: katalog vystavki [Konstantin Ivanovich Rudakov: Exhibition catalog]

Moscow: Iskusstvo, 1951. Publisher's wrappers. This is an exhibition catalog showcasing the artworks of Konstantin Ivanovich Rudakov. The catalog comprises 55 pages, containing 16 plates as well as a portrait of the artist. It measures 20 x 14.5 cm and the text is in Russian. However, this particular copy is in a worn condition, with soiled wrappers.<br /> <br /> As of January 2024, according to the OCLC database, there is only one known copy of this book in the Columbia University collections, indicating its rarity and limited availability.<br /> <br /> Konstantin Ivanovich Rudakov (1891-1949) faced a challenging early life. Orphaned at a young age, he showed an early passion for art. Under the guidance of painter Pavel Petrovich Chistiakov, Rudakov honed his skills, emphasizing structured drawing as the foundation of his art. He also drew inspiration from both Russian and Western European art. Despite interruptions caused by World War I and the Russian Revolution, Rudakov pursued his education. He served in the Red Army from 1918 to 1920, working as a painter and promoting literacy among sailors. Rudakov supported himself through illustration work, gaining recognition in various magazines. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, he produced a series of artworks with diverse themes. Later, his primary focus became book illustration, an era marked by the growth of the Soviet book publishing industry. Rudakov joined other prominent artists in creating contemporary book designs and illustrations.