Bidspirit auction | Williams P.V.

Williams P.V. - Diptych. Sketch of the set for Sergei Prokofiev's ballet ”Romeo and Juliet.”. Year:  1940-s. Technique:  Cardboard, ink, watercolor. Size:  17,5х23; 18х25. Descripton:  Monogram lower right. Williams Pyotr Vladimirovich (1902, Moscow - 1947, Moscow). Theater artist, painter, graphic artist. Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1944). He studied in the workshop of V. N. Meshkov (from 1909) and at VKHUTEMAS (1919-1924) with K. A. Korovin, I. I. Mashkov, V. V. Kandinsky, D. P. Shterenberg and others. He took part in the organization of the experimental Museum of Painting Culture. Member of OST (1925-1930). Professor at the Moscow Institute of Applied and Decorative Arts (since 1947). Initially he was engaged in easel painting and illustrated children's books. Since 1929 he worked as a theater artist. In 1941-1947 - Chief Artist of the Bolshoi Theater. For works of the first half of the 1930s. Characteristic is the use of easel painting techniques and the use of decorative panel backdrops. In subsequent years, he strived to create an illusory stage picture. Repeated winner of USSR State Prizes for his work in the theater: in 1943 for the play “William Tell” by Rossini (1942), in 1946 for the play “Cinderella” 1945, in 1947 for the production at the Bolshoi Theater of “Romeo and Juliet” by S. S. Prokofiev (1946). He also designed the performances “Ivan Susanin” by Glinka (1939 and 1945), “The Last Days” (Pushkin) by Bulgakov (1943) - at the Moscow Art Theater. Works by P.P. Williams are in the State Tretyakov Gallery, the State Russian Museum and many other museums