Our Best-Ever Silent Auction Combo! A Striking, Large Still Life Meets an Exquisite Small Plein Air Gem by a Soviet Master!

Plus Pioneers of Russian Soviet Art, Dr. Vern Swanson and the Springville Museum of Art!

MARK YOU CALENDARS! Friday December 5th, The Gallery Presents a Major Exhibition and Sale!

Belov, Yuri Vladimirovich

"Flowers for 20th Birthday"

39¼'' x 27½'', (100 x 70 cm)

1980, Oil on Canvas

Estimate $4,000 to $5,000- framed

Current Bid $500 by R. McCall, Next Bid is $750

Kugach, Yuri Petrovich

“The Cows at the Riverside”

6¾'' x 9¾'', (17 x 25 cm)

1956, Oil on Board

Estimate $5,00 to $6,000- unframed

Current Bid $500 by Irving McDonnel, Next Bid is $750

Discover the Unexpected: How a Small Town Museum in Central Utah Became A Major Home For Russian-Ukrainian Art in North America!

Nestled gracefully at the foothills of the majestic Wasatch Mountains, just south of Salt Lake City, the Springville Museum of Art stands as a true cultural gem waiting to be explored. This remarkable institution boasts one of the largest public collections of 20th-century Russian and Soviet art outside of Russia, a captivating array that invites visitors to delve into the rich historical and artistic narratives of the era. The museum’s collection features exceptional pieces primarily in the Soviet Impressionist and Soviet Realist styles, showcasing some of the finest works from the most celebrated artists of the twentieth century.-Read More Below

August Silent Auctions!

We are thrilled to unveil our most captivating auction combo to date, featuring a striking large still life that commands attention alongside an exquisite small plein air gem crafted by a renowned Soviet master. This unique opportunity celebrates the pioneers of Russian Soviet art as they make their way into the Western art scene, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry and emotional depth that these masterpieces embody. 

First and foremost, Congratulations to B. Walker who placed the winning bid of $5,250 for June's silent auction painting, "At the Canal Lock" by Yakov Dorofeevich Romas, and J. Sutton who placed the winning bid of $750 for "Moscow View" by Vladimir Alekseevich Vasin.

As our August silent auction selections we present not one, but TWO breathtaking masterpieces from renowned Master Landscape and Still life painters! First up, we have "Flowers for 20th Birthday," a stunning creation by the talented Yuri Vladimirovich Belov, with an estimated value of $4,000 to $6,000. This piece is sure to evoke feelings of joy and celebration, making it a perfect addition to any collection. Complementing this is “The Cows at the Riverside,” an exquisite work by the illustrious Yuri Petrovich Kugach, estimated at $5,000 to $6,000. Both artworks not only showcase incredible artistic value but also carry the power to forge emotional connections and inspire contemplation.

We invite you to immerse yourself in this enriching experience, where beauty and community come together, and encourage you to join us in this exciting opportunity to bid on these remarkable pieces!

Remember, there is no reserve, at the end of the auction the high bid wins!

Bids will be taken via telephone, or e-mail until 7:00 pm MST, ,Friday, September 5th. Follow all the bidding updates on the Gallery's website.

Please, e-mail bids only to info@McCartheyGallery.net and make sure your receive confirmation of your bid. Note that you may place a maximum bid and the Gallery will bid on your behalf up to your maximum. By placing a maximum bid you will be assured you are not out bid at the last minute. 

Tel: 801-755-7072

email:  info@McCartheyGallery.net

website:   www.McCartheyGallery.net

Good luck!

Stephen Justesen, Gallery Director

Belov, Yuri Vladimirovich

"Flowers for 20th Birthday"

39¼'' x 27½'', (100 x 70 cm)

1980, Oil on Canvas

Estimate $4,000 to $5,000- framed

Current Bid $500 by R. McCall, Next Bid is $750

Yuri Vladimirovich Belov, May 27, 1929 – July 23, 2017

Ю́рий Влади́мирович Бело́в

Yuri Vladimirovich Belov. Born on May 27, 1929, in Leningrad into a family of doctors, Belov's life was a tapestry of artistic excellence and dedication.

From 1941 to 1949, Belov honed his artistic skills at the Leningrad Secondary Art School under the All-Russian Academy of Arts. His passion and talent led him to the Leningrad Institute of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture, named after Ilya Repin, where he studied under the guidance of esteemed educators such as Vladimir Serov, Piotr Belousov, Ivan Sorokin, and Ivan Stepashkin. In 1955, he graduated from the Repin Institute in the workshop of Rudolf Frentz.

Belov's career as an artist truly began to flourish in 1954 when he started exhibiting his work in various city and regional exhibitions. By 1960, he had become a respected member of the Leningrad Artists’ Union. His early works often focused on the painting of Lenin and the history of the Bolshevik Revolution, themes that would become central to his artistic identity.

Throughout his life, Belov painted an array of subjects including portraits, still lifes, landscapes, genre scenes, and historical paintings. However, he is most renowned for his historical paintings depicting images of Lenin and the history of Bolshevism and the Revolution movement in Russia. His dedication to these themes led to his participation in numerous one-man and group exhibitions across Russia and abroad, with over 50 personal exhibitions held in prestigious locations such as St. Petersburg, Moscow, Pskov, Lvov, Ukraine, and Novgorod.

Twice the Laureate of major Russian art competitions in 1967.

In 1967, Belov was twice honored as a Laureate of major Russian art competitions, a testament to his exceptional talent and contribution to the art world. Since 1960, he was a proud member of the Saint Petersburg Union of Artists, formerly known as the Leningrad branch of the Union of Artists of the Russian Federation.

Belov's legacy is preserved in the permanent collections of several prominent institutions, including the Museum of City History in St. Petersburg, the Russian Ministry of Culture in Moscow, the Museum of the Revolution in Moscow, and the Lenin Museum in Moscow.

In remembering Yuri Vladimirovich Belov, we celebrate a life dedicated to art and history, and the indelible mark he left on the cultural landscape. His works continue to inspire and educate, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come.

Yuri Petrovich Kugach, 1917- 2013

Yuri P. Kugach, was one of the patriarchs of the Russian school of painting and a good friend of the Gallery, he passed away April 23, 2013, at the grand age of 96 years. Born in 1917, the year of the Russian Revolution, and painting almost up until his death, Kugach, left behind an amazing artistic legacy. 

Famous for his landscapes and paintings of everyday rural life, Kugach was known as one of the finest representatives of impressionism and realism in post-revolutionary Russia. One of the first graduates and later a professor at the famed Surikov Art Institute, Kugach received numerous honors including People's Artist of the USSR, member of the USSR Academy of Arts (1966). Stalin Prize, (1950), Repin Prize, was a member of the Russian Academy of Fine Arts, and was a founding member and first President of the now world famous Moscow River School. His works are on permanent display in the famed collections of the State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow) and the State Russian Museum (St. Petersburg).

Yuri Kugach is recognized in Russia as one of he greatest artists of the 20th century. In a recent birthday greeting Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin congratulated him:

"You rightly belong to a galaxy of bright and talented artists, endowed with huge reserves of creative energy and recognized as one of the giants of Russian fine art. Your works created over many years of fruitful creativity are known and loved not only in our country but also far beyond its borders."- Vladimir Putin

Kugach, Yuri Petrovich

“The Cows at the Riverside”

6¾'' x 9¾'', (17 x 25 cm)

1956, Oil on Board

Estimate $5,00 to $6,000- unframed

Current Bid $500 by Irving McDonnel, Next Bid is $750

Yuri Petrovich Kugach, 1917 - 2013

Yuri Petrovich Kugach, born on March 21, 1917, in the historic city of Suzdal, began his illustrious journey in art in 1931 at the "1905" Moscow Art School. It was here in 1934 that he had the distinct privilege of studying under the legendary Nikolai Petrovich Krymov, thanks to the establishment of a new painting department. His pursuit of excellence led him to the prestigious Moscow Art Institute in 1936, famously known as the Surikov, named after the great realist-teacher Vassili Surikov.

Yuri's exceptional talent allowed him to skip directly to the second year at the Institute, where he was mentored by the highly esteemed Igor Grabar and Sergei Gerasimov. During his time at the Surikov, Yuri met and fell in love with his fellow classmate, Olga Grigoryevna Svetlichnaya, and the two were married in 1937. Their union was blessed with a son, Mikhail, in 1939, who would later follow in his parents' artistic footsteps. Yuri graduated from the Institute in 1942.

In the midst of World War II, Yuri, along with 11 other accomplished artists including his wife, was evacuated to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 1943. The Soviet government, recognizing their cultural significance, made this decision to safeguard them as Moscow faced the threat of falling to the Germans.

After the war, Yuri returned to the Surikov to teach from 1948 to 1951. Seeking a peaceful environment, he relocated his family to the serene countryside of the Tver region, where he continued to teach at the House of Artists of Russia (Academicheskaya Dacha). This picturesque setting, frequented by renowned artists like Repin and Levitan, inspired both Yuri and Olga to depict scenes of village and family life. They adhered to the belief that art is powerful when it is national, and a nation is defined by its people. Thus, their works captured the essence of Russian life.

Yuri's paintings eloquently portrayed the daily rituals of life—mothers with cradles, children at play, youth in love, weddings, and funerals. For him, these scenes were not just glimpses of village life but a reflection of the Russian people's existence. This interconnectedness of nationhood, people, and their environments is a uniquely Russian concept that doesn't fully translate in other cultures.

Yuri took great pride in an art review that described his work as a "poetical description" of village life. He believed that poetry was the essence of his art, stating, "A real artist doesn't paint what he sees. He paints what he wants to see. Those who want to see dirt, see dirt. At all times, some people want to see bad things and some want to see good things." This philosophy was evident in his dedication to portraying labor not as a curse but as a natural and vital part of life. In the spirit of Socialist Realism, Yuri's art celebrated the human experience, from steelworkers to soldiers and ordinary people.

As the founder of the Moscow River School, Yuri emphasized the importance of capturing atmosphere and accurately depicting space. He often reminded his students, "Do not repeat our mistakes."

Yuri Petrovich Kugach's legacy is immortalized in over 200 paintings displayed in national and international museums, including the Russian Museum, the Kiev State Museum of Russian Art, and the State Tretyakov Gallery, where an entire hall is dedicated to his remarkable work.

Yuri Petrovich Kugach, 1917 – 2013

Honors and awards:

People’s Artist of the USSR, Winner of the USSR State Prize, Winner of I. Repin State Prize of the Russian Federation, Assistant Professor

Awards: (partial list)

•          Russia’s artist-statesman, 1963

•          Gold medal of the USSR Academy of Arts in 1966

•          People’s Artist of the USSR

•          The USSR State Prize

•          The Repin State Prize

Exhibitions: (partial list)

Every major All-Union exhibit since 1943

Has exhibited internationally in places such as India, China, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, France, Singapore, Finland, Switzerland, Great Britain, and Japan

Collections: Yuri Kugach has over 100 paintings in Russia’s Museums, including:

An entire hall at the New Tretyakov Gallery is dedicated to his work

Tretyakov Gallery (Museum)

State Museum of Art of the Uzbek SSR,

Museums in Gorky, Rostov, Irkutsk, Kharkov, Kiev, & Lvov

Nizhni-Novgorod Art Museum

           -In the Family (First Steps), 1969, Oil on Canvas, 55 x 63 in.

Regional Art Gallery, Tver

           -Saturday Evening, 1964, Oil on Canvas, 130 x 200 cm.

Russia Artists’ Union

           -Wedding, 2000, Oil on Canvas, 185 x 320 cm.

Russian Museum, St. Petersburg

           -Hostess, 1970, Oil on Canvas, 140 x 110 cm.

Sumi Art Museum

           -Before the Holiday, 1962, Oil on Canvas, 49 x 75 in.

State Art Museum of the Altai Region, Barnaul

           -Moscow Street in XVII Century, 1950’s, Oil on Canvas, 130 x 170 cm.

State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

           -Before Dancing, 1961, Oil on Canvas, 160 x 290 cm.

Tver Picture Gallery

           -On Saturday, 1964, Oil on Canvas, 51 x 79 in.

RSFSR Ministry of Culture, Moscow

           -Mistress of the House, 1970, Oil on Canvas, 140 x 110 cm.

Artist’s Thoughts: “Do not repeat our mistakes.”

“Flowers for 20th Birthday" and "The Cows at the Riverside” would make stunning additions to any collection or great paintings to start your collection. 

Remember, there is no reserve, at the end of the auction the high bid wins!

Bids will be taken via telephone, or e-mail until 7:00 pm MST, ,Friday, September 5th. Follow all the bidding updates on the Gallery's website.

Please, e-mail bids only to info@McCartheyGallery.net and make sure your receive confirmation of your bid. Note that you may place a maximum bid and the Gallery will bid on your behalf up to your maximum. By placing a maximum bid you will be assured you are not out bid at the last minute. 

Tel: 801-755-7072

email:  info@McCartheyGallery.net

website:   www.McCartheyGallery.net

Good luck!

Stephen Justesen, McCarthey Gallery

Pioneers of Russian Soviet Art Opening to the West

Akhmed A. Kitaev, "Just Graduated"

We Are Going Into a New Life"

1952, 80.5" x 104", Oil on Canvas

In the 1990s, as the Iron Curtain fell and the Soviet Union dissolved, a hidden treasure trove of art emerged, revealing the extraordinary richness of Russian and Soviet art. The world’s introduction to this artistic legacy was not accidental—it was championed by three remarkable visionaries: Dr. Vern Swanson, Jim Dabakis, and Raymond E. Johnson. Their efforts helped to expand its horizons , bringing Soviet-era masterpieces to a Western audience and reshaping global perceptions of Russian art.

The Forgotten Masterpieces

For much of the 20th century, Russian and Soviet art remained behind geopolitical barriers. Socialist Realist works were dismissed in the West as propaganda, while avant-garde pieces were often overlooked. However, these paintings, particularly from the Soviet Impressionist tradition, represented some of the finest examples of technical and emotional artistry of the era. Swanson, Dabakis, and Johnson recognized this, and their mission was clear: to give these artists the recognition they deserved.

Dr. Vern Swanson: The Scholarly Advocate

An art historian and director of the Springville Museum of Art in Utah, Dr. Vern Swanson was a leading scholar of Russian and Soviet art. Swanson's academic rigor and passion for realism helped elevate the artistic merit of Soviet-era works, challenging dismissive Western attitudes. His authoritative books, including Soviet Impressionist Painting, became key resources, validating these artists within the broader canon of art history.

Swanson’s efforts underscored that these works were not just ideological tools but vibrant, heartfelt depictions of life, humanity, and culture. His scholarship gave credibility to the movement and opened the doors for serious collectors and institutions to engage with Soviet art.

Jim Dabakis: The Art Evangelist

As a gallerist and cultural ambassador, Jim Dabakis, who together with his art partner Thomas K McCarthey, played a critical role in connecting Soviet art with Western collectors. Dabakis was one of the first Westerners to travel extensively in the declining and post-Soviet Russia, forging relationships with artists, dealers, and families of painters. His charisma and business acumen helped to build bridges between two vastly different worlds.

Through his gallery in Park City, Utah, Dabakis introduced countless Americans to the beauty of Soviet Impressionism and other Russian art forms. He believed in the power of these works to transcend political divides, presenting them as universal expressions of the human experience.

Raymond E. Johnson: The Visionary Collector

A passionate collector and gallerist, Raymond E. Johnson was instrumental in assembling and showcasing Soviet art in the United States. Johnson’s keen eye for talent and his relentless pursuit of quality works helped establish a burgeoning market for Soviet-era paintings in the West.

Through exhibitions and sales, Johnson not only made Soviet art accessible to collectors but also cultivated a deep appreciation for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. His efforts demonstrated that these works were not merely historical artifacts but dynamic pieces of a shared cultural heritage.

Changing the Art World

Together, Swanson, Dabakis, and Johnson achieved what seemed impossible: they transformed the perception of Soviet art from Cold War relics to masterpieces worthy of global acclaim. They highlighted the humanity, beauty, and individuality within these works, challenging stereotypes and fostering cultural understanding.

Their efforts also revitalized the careers of Soviet and Russian artists, many of whom had struggled for recognition and financial stability in the post-Soviet era. For collectors and art lovers, their work unlocked a treasure chest of creativity, bridging a gap between East and West.

A Legacy of Discovery

The impact of their pioneering work continues to resonate today. Soviet and Russian art now occupies a prominent place in galleries, museums, and private collections worldwide. Swanson, Dabakis, and Johnson proved that art can transcend political boundaries, connecting people through shared expressions of beauty and truth.

Their contributions opened not just markets but minds, ensuring that the legacy of Russian and Soviet art will endure as one of the most compelling chapters in 20th-century art history.

 Aleksandr M. Gerasimov,

"A Russian Communal Bath" (study)

1946, Oil on Canvas

Unveiling a Cultural Treasure: The Springville Museum of Art and Dr. Vern Swanson

Meet Dr. Vern Swanson: The Scholarly Advocate

Dr. Vern Swanson, art historian and director of the Springville Museum of Art in Utah, was a preeminent scholar of Russian and Soviet art. His academic rigor and passion for realism played a crucial role in elevating the artistic merit of Soviet-era works, challenging the dismissive attitudes that often characterized Western perceptions. 

His influential books, including Soviet Impressionist Painting, became essential resources, validating these artists within the broader canon of art history. 

Swanson’s efforts highlighted that these works transcended mere ideological tools; they were vibrant, heartfelt depictions of life, humanity, and culture. Through his scholarship, he lent credibility to the movement and opened the doors for serious collectors and institutions to engage meaningfully with Soviet art. 

Springville Museum: The Little Engine That Could

The pioneering work of the Springville Museum of Art continues to resonate today, as Soviet, Russian, and Ukrainian art now hold prominent positions in galleries, museums, and private collections worldwide. This remarkable journey has proven that art can transcend political boundaries, connecting people through shared expressions of beauty and truth.

The contributions of Springville and Dr. Vern Swanson, the museum's director, have not only opened new markets but also expanded minds, ensuring that the legacy of Russian, Soviet, and Ukrainian art will endure as one of the most compelling chapters in 20th-century art history.

Dr. Swanson first traveled to the Soviet Union in 1989 on behalf of the Grand Central Art Gallery Education Association to curate an exhibition of young Moscow realist painters in New York City. Prior to that, due to his professors' denunciations and a personal Cold Warrior mentality, he had detested Soviet Socialist Realist art, dismissing it as the "worst art of the 20th century." However, with the onset of Glasnost and Perestroika, First Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev had effectively made Soviet ‘official’ art non-official by expanding membership in the influential art unions around 1986-87. By 1989, it became increasingly difficult to find genuine Socialist Realist art in Moscow—neither in museums nor in the few government art galleries.

Fortunately, Dr. Swanson discovered the family of noted Soviet artist Vladimir I. Nekrasov (1924-1988), a professor at the prestigious Surikov Institute of Art in Moscow. Reflecting on his initial visit to Nekrasov's studio in December 1989, he recalled, "I entered art heaven and immediately knew that Socialist Realism was not the worst school of realism of the 20th century, but possibly the best."

Alongside his Russian friends, Swanson facilitated the rescue of thousands of artworks from destruction, as many Russian artists distrusted the "official" art of that era. Working both legally and ethically, he helped bring these treasures out of Russia at a critical moment. "Nothing was quite as exhilarating," Swanson notes, "as discovering art lost behind the Iron Curtain and exposing the cream of Socialist Realist art to America. To be part of this groundbreaking event is the highlight of my career."

Vladimir F. Stozharov, "The Gingerbread Arcade", 1956, Oil on Canvas, 41" x 83"

In October 1990, the Springville Museum held the first non-governmental exhibition of Soviet Socialist Realist art in the United States. Enthusiastic audiences in Utah clamored for more "Hidden Treasures," leading to a significant increase in museum attendance. During that period (1990-1994), all the artwork arrived directly at the museum, and the uncrating ceremonies in the Clyde Gallery attracted scores of art devotees eager for a glimpse of these remarkable pieces. Krieger-Ricks Framing in Springville and Heather Densley Art Conservation in American Fork carefully prepared each work for display.

Among the first collectors of this art was Jerald H. Jacobs of Utah County, who happened to transport the paintings. Having seen everything first-hand, he acquired many of the finest pieces for his personal collection. In 1992, Jacobs made an agreement with the museum's Board of Trustees to house and exhibit his burgeoning collection, thus initiating the museum's collection of Russian art through generous donations. Other Utahns, including Jim Dabakis, Ellie Sonntag, Roy and Anne Jesperson, John and Lisa O'Brien, Sam and Diane Stewart, John and Debbie Watkins, and Gordon and Hollie Milne, contributed significantly as well.

Today, the Springville Museum of Art boasts the largest and best public collection of Soviet Socialist Realist art west of The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) in Minneapolis. The museum and Dr. Swanson have been involved with four major books on this art, along with numerous catalogs and articles. Its permanent display, featuring four galleries dedicated to Russian and Soviet realism of the 20th century, has become a haven for Utah artists seeking to study the "Russian method" of painting. 

Over the years, the museum has curated around thirty temporary exhibitions on its main floor and trained docents to give insightful tours. No collection in the museum draws as much interest as the Russian and Soviet art collection. Most out-of-state visitors come specifically for this art. 

For the museum, which primarily showcases Utah art, the raison d'être for the Russian and Soviet collection, as Emeritus Director Swanson puts it, is "to inspire Utah artists to reach greater heights than they have previously attained. This art complements what is happening in the Utah art scene; it is a very healthy symbiotic relationship. The quality and distinctiveness of Russian and Soviet art places the Springville Museum of Art on the national map."

As the years pass, the museum hopes to expand the depth and breadth of its collection to better tell the story of a people and their art from halfway around the world.

Vladimir I. Nekrasov, "Just Married" Virgin Lands (1955)