The art of Nicholas Kalmakoff, 1873–1955
Astarte (1926).
Kalmakoff’s beautiful paintings turn up most often (if at all) in collections of Symbolist art although most of his work comes after the Symbolist period which was pretty much killed off by the revelations of Cubism. Like Harry Clarke, Kalmakoff is one of those artists who evidently felt that the aesthetics of the 1890s required further exploration; like Clarke there’s also some interesting occult illustration going on. Unlike Clarke (whose work appeared in lavish illustrated books and stained glass window designs) he had to contend with an art world that had little time for imagination unless it was presented in a Surrealist package. Kalmakoff’s fascinating story is detailed here and there are three galleries of his paintings here.
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6 Comments, Comment or Ping
#1 posted by Wiley
I just noticed a few days ago that one of Kalmakoff’s paintings has been selected as the cover for the upcoming book of Russian decadence from the Dedalus publisher (sadly it was a game that made me aware of where they got their company name from). It definitely sparked my interest. I am hopelessly fascinated with Russian history whenever I am unfortunate enough to be near a television and the subject comes up. One would only think that an artist of ‘corrupted’ tastes living in that time in an area whose fertile history had been made so in random downpours of human blood, would do well with that genre, though its probably inappropriate to peg decadence simply as a genre. I’ve heard of books like Petersberg, the Fiery Angel, Silver Dove, and Master and Margarita, but I’ve never taken the time to read any of them.
Feb 14th, 2007
#2 posted by Heather Lynn Kalmakoff
hey i just thought that this was totally awesome because i am a kalmakoff and i have been researching my family for a long time. just saying hello and i am related to this cool artist.. lol.. its cool
bye
heather
Mar 12th, 2007
#3 posted by markom
Just browsed to this site, using Kalmakoff in Google … The site referenced above (www.visionaryrevue.com) is an outstanding resource for both Kalmakoff’s art and background … I believe he was completely misunderstood by critics and contemporaries and was forced ever-deeper into the exploration of his darker (much darker) side … He remains in my book, one of the true great colorists os his time and a master of capturing the essence of all things flesh … Way before his time, he certainly appears to have been an influence on Vallejo, and others …
Heather … It would be interesting to know how you trace yourself to N. Kalmakoff? … I understand he died alone and penniless in a Paris hospice, with his artwork stored shoddily where it ultimately surfaced to a triumphant retrospective (Phillipe Jullian) …
Apr 30th, 2007
#4 posted by Yvonne
That is a stunning image.
Jun 11th, 2007
#5 posted by Heather
well.. i just googled the name and this popped up.. soo i clicked on it..
Mar 21st, 2008
#6 posted by Nick
Hey i’m also Nicholas Kalmakoff, although I am not nearly as good at painting.
Apr 13th, 2008
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