This article introduces into the scientific circulation two letters by Russian artist Nikolai Zaretsky (1876-1959), addressed to art critic and collector of Ex-librises Vladimir Adaruykov. The letters refer to the publications of books by Alexander Pushkin, the covers of which were designed with the help of Zaretsky and published by Berlin publishing houses. He was not properly recognized in Russia, so, in immigration, Zaretsky became a famous book graphic artist, an illustrator of the works of Russian classics, and a recognized Pushkinist. Soon after he arrived in Berlin in 1922, Zaretsky immediately found himself in demand as an illustrator. He started collaborating with ten publishing houses almost simultaneously, making illustrations and drawing book covers. These are the Russian publishing houses of Zinovy Isayevich Grzhebin “Nakanune” and “Neva”. It was in the "Neva" that Pushkin's stories “Undertaker" and "Arap of Peter the Great" were published with Zaretsky’s illustrations. Zaretsky received recognition as an illustrator with a robust and sensitive perception of Pushkin, capable of reflecting the essence of his works. Love for A.S. Pushkin followed Zaretsky throughout his whole life. The artist would devote more than 30 years of his life in emigration to his beloved poet: he would illustrate his works, collect drawings of the poet, write an article about him in a Paris magazine, arrange several exhibitions dedicated to the memory of A.S. Pushkin. All this would create his well-deserved reputation as a Pushkinist in emigration. This is the first publication of letters of N.V. Zaretsky, which expands our knowledge about publishing in the Russian ?migr? circles and illustrates the process of creative book graphist. The letters are kept in the Manuscript Department of the State Museum of Fine Arts named after A.S. Pushkin. Stylistic and spelling features are fully preserved when publishing
|
