VLADIMIR MAYAKOVSKY original 1938 plaster sculpture by FREDDA BRILLIANT

Original plaster sculpture of vladimir mayakovsky by fredda brilliant. Made in 1938 after originally being commissioned by the soviet artists co-operative (vsekokhudozknik) in 1935 while fredda brilliant lived in moscow with her husband herbert marshall (who was translating mayakovsky's collected works at this time). Fredda being incredibly moved by his poetry, contacted the co-operative requesting the commission. Coincidental timing indeed, as in december 17, 1935, triumfal'naia ploshchad' ("triumph square") was renamed mayakovsky square and stalin declared that "indifference to his memory or his works is a crime", which became an indelible part of mayakovsky's official monument. A very imposing and strong piece, two and half times life size. After the war eventually the final cast bronze was acquired by the ministry of culture, ussr in 1960 for the mayakovsky museum in moscow (followed by an eisenstein bronze for eisenstein's moscow museum - which also have the plaster sculpture of). It was at this time that in the square (renamed in mayakovsky's honour by stalin, as a first public recognition of his new canonized status), ironically became a focal point for dissent among discontented youth in the late fifties and early sixties. The spirit of mayakovsky square was captured on film during the era itself, in 'i am twenty' ('mne dvadtsat' let'), released in 1964. Images of final bronze in c.1943 with brilliant and marshall at their home, on display in moscow with nikolai okhlopkov the artistic director of the mayakovsky theatre, moscow and on cover of herbert marshall's book: 'mayakovsky - translated and edited by herbert marshall'. A pre war soviet era piece that captures the essence of the post revolution avant garde artist in mid 30s russia and intertwines with the contradiction of late 50s-early 60s ussr... Historically very interesting and considering the media/size...plaster pieces such as this are indeed rare survivors especially after 80 years. Provenance: from studio/estate of fredda brilliant. Incredibly rare opportunity to acquire such a unique piece. Fredda brilliant also known for sculpting other soviet avant garde artists such as sergei eisenstein that she and her husband knew and socialised with while living in pre-war moscow. After the war, travelled to and lived in india where sculpted most of the influencial statesmen involved in the dawn of india's independence such as nehru and menon. Later commissioned by the india congress party to create a sculpture of mahatma gandhi... Situated at tavistock square, london (and outside the supreme court in new delhi), the work that she is best known for. **important - please read** Re shipping, have quoted as free however please arrange this your side to your requirements...this is a very rare and delicate item that will require the utmost care in transit. If have any questions or need any advice, please ask. Also can deliver in/around london if prearranged.

Ref. : P9GXVWAZ