Dan Solojoff (1908-1994) - Nu au violon et au poisson

Original ink drawing on paper by the Russian artist Dan Solojoff

Title: Nude with Violin and Fish

Artist: Dan Solojoff (1908–1994)

Medium: Ink on paper

Style: Cubism

Signature: Signed at the lower left, with Paris noted

Size of the drawn area: 22 x 16 cm
Sheet size: 46.5 x 37.1 cm

Condition: Good

Dan Solojoff (1908–1994), born Daniil Andreevitch Solojef in Saint Petersburg, was a major Russian painter, poet and illustrator of the 20th century. After fleeing the Russian Revolution and weathering the turmoil of the Second World War, he settled permanently in France (first in Lyon, then in Paris). A celebrated artist whose work was exhibited during his lifetime, he died in Paris on October 21, 1994, and is buried in the famous Russian cemetery of Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois. His artistic career was shaped by pivotal encounters, notably with Marc Chagall in 1962, who praised his unique talent.

Dan Solojoff’s style lies at the crossroads of Surrealism, Neo-Primitivism and poetic Expressionism. His graphic world is highly sensitive and often compared to Chagall’s enchanting vision. It is characterized by:
- An elliptical, airy drawing style, with exceptionally pure lines.
- A palette of vivid, luminous and contrasting colors (particularly in his gouaches and lithographs).
- A dreamlike, mystical and deeply poetic atmosphere.

Solojoff is a visual storyteller. His favorite subjects are imbued with lyricism and folkloric nostalgia: melancholic profiles and faces, vibrant bouquets of flowers, symbolic birds, musicians, and biblical or mythological scenes. He is also highly sought after for his illustrations of great literary works, notably his sublime interpretations of Charles Baudelaire’s poems.

Free collection in person is available at the Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen.