On the Thaw

<p>Arkady Alexandrovich Plastov (1893–1972) was a Soviet painter, People's Artist of the USSR, and a full member of the USSR Academy of Arts. He studied at the Stroganov School and the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Plastov's work became a benchmark for depicting the Russian village: he combined painterly freedom with deep psychological insight and attention to the daily life of his fellow villagers in Prislonikha. His iconic works include 'The Fascist Plane Flew By' (1942), 'Harvest' (1945), 'Haymaking' (1945), and 'Spring' (1954). In addition to painting, he was an active book illustrator. He is known for his commitment to national traditions and his critical stance toward the avant-garde.</p>