Zemlia rodnaia (Homeland)

Mikhail Artamonov; Cover design: Boris Kustodiev

Published by Izdanie Petrogradskogo Soveta Rabochikh i Krasn. Deputatov, [Petrograd], 1919

About this Item

[Lyric peasant poetry]. Octavo 19 x 14 cm. Wrappers, 127 pp. Near fine condition; damaged ends of the spine, spot-like fading of the paper on upper margins of several sheets, loss of a small fragment from the upper edge of one sheet (text untouched). A collection of 58 poems by Russian and Soviet poet, writer, and journalist Mikhail Dmitrievich Artamonov (1888 1958). As noted by the Literary Encyclopedia, the themes of Artamonov's poetry are semi-peasant, semi-worker-class. The form of his verses is predominantly song-like, often resembling folk ditties (chastushkas). A son of the people, separated from his native village by the circumstances of life, Artamonov accepted the city but never grew to love it with its constant motion, factories, and machines. Thus, in his poetry, he instinctively reaches out from the factory smoke toward green meadows, celebrating nature and rural life. Still, despite the dominance of rural sentiments, the poet does not reject completely the city. He acknowledges that the city plays a central role in building a new life, and therefore the themes of "Outskirts" and "Factories" periodically emerge in contrast. This dichotomy in the poet s perspective is evident throughout the entire collection. Author was also criticized for excessive borrowing of motifs, "partly from old folk poetry, partly from the revolutionary peasant poets such as Oreshin, Shiryaevets, and most often Klyuev. At times, this borrowing borders on simple imitation." The cover design is created in the lubok style by a renowned Russian painter and stage artist Boris Mikhaylovich Kustodiev (1878 1927). The favourite people of Ilya Repin at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, Kustodiev developed his own unique and distinctive style, combining elements of Realism, Romanticism, and Neo-Classicism, with a distinctive Russian flavor. His work featured vibrant, folkloric scenes inspired by Russian life and traditions. Later, he incorporated decorative and theatrical elements, reflecting influences from the emerging Avant-Garde movements. Member of Mir Iskusstva (World of Art) group and the Association of Artists of Revolutionary Russia.

Seller Inventory # 249

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Zemlia rodnaia (Homeland)
• Publisher: Izdanie Petrogradskogo Soveta Rabochikh i Krasn. Deputatov, [Petrograd]
• Publication Date: 1919
• Language: Russian
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Weight: 80 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Poems
  • Eastern European Modernism