Alexey Pavlovich Solodovnikov (1928–2017) – Original Oil on Artist's Board "Village Forge", Dated 1952 - Solodovnikov

Alexey Pavlovich Solodovnikov (1928–2017) – Original Oil on Artist's Board "Village Forge", Dated 1952 - Signed 'A. Solodovnikov' and believed to be an early work by Ukrainian artist Alexey Pavlovich Solodovnikov (1928–2017), depicting a traditional rural forge or blacksmith's yard, signed and dated 1952.

This delightful original oil painting captures the quiet industry of rural village life with remarkable confidence and atmosphere.  Painted in 1952 on artist's board, the composition depicts a traditional village forge surrounded by agricultural equipment and villagers, rendered with broad, expressive brushwork and a beautifully balanced palette of soft earth tones, muted greens and luminous sky.

The painting is signed lower right and the reverse bears a handwritten inscription in Cyrillic identifying the artist as A. Solodovnikov, together with the original title "Сельская кузница" ("Village Forge" or "Village Blacksmith"), the dimensions and the date 1952. A later collector's label translates the title into English as "Village Farriery."

Alexey Pavlovich Solodovnikov was a recognised Ukrainian and Soviet artist who studied at the Yaroslavl Art School before graduating from the Kiev Art Institute. He exhibited from 1951, later became a member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine, and was eventually awarded the title of Honoured Artist of Ukraine. His paintings celebrate the dignity of everyday rural life and reflect the strong tradition of mid-century Soviet landscape and genre painting.

The loose, confident handling of the paint, together with the artist's economical use of colour and light, suggests this may have been painted en plein air as an on-site study. Works of this nature are increasingly appreciated by collectors for their freshness, spontaneity and historical authenticity.

Acquired from a deceased French collector's estate, the painting retains its vintage frame and remains a wonderful example of post-war Eastern European painting. Whether purchased as an investment, a collector's piece or simply for its decorative appeal, it offers both historical interest and timeless charm.

Condition Good original vintage condition consistent with age.

The painting is executed in oil on the original artist's board, which displays a gentle age-related buckle/undulation, a characteristic commonly found in works on board of this period. The paint surface appears stable and presents well.

The painting is presented in its vintage painted timber frame, which displays honest age-related wear consistent with decades of use.

The reverse retains handwritten inscriptions in Cyrillic identifying the artist, title, dimensions and date, together with later collector and inventory labels, adding to the painting's provenance and historical interest.

Overall, the painting presents beautifully and remains a highly decorative and collectible example of mid-century Eastern European art.

Dimensions Painting: 20 cm × 32 cm Overall Framed Size: 38cm wide x 24.5cm high

Key Features

• Attributed to Alexey Pavlovich Solodovnikov (1928–2017)


• Original oil on artist's board


• Signed lower right


• Dated 1952


• Handwritten Cyrillic inscription verso


• Original titled work – Village Forge (Сельская кузница)


• Vintage painted timber frame


• Mid-century Soviet / Ukrainian School
• Acquired from a French collector's estate


• A highly decorative and increasingly collectible work

Ideal For An excellent acquisition for collectors of Soviet and Eastern European art, mid-century oil paintings, rural landscapes, or anyone seeking an authentic period painting with exceptional decorative appeal and historical significance.

"Research indicates this work is attributable to Ukrainian artist Alexey Pavlovich Solodovnikov (1928–2017). The attribution is supported by the signature, dated Cyrillic inscription on the reverse and stylistic comparison with documented early works."