Collection of Russian-American artist Ivan Olinsky (1878–1962)
The collection of Russian-American artist Ivan Gregorewitch Olinsky from the Estate of Christian Buchheit.
The collection includes:
Ivan Gregorewitch Olinsky (1878–1962) was a Russian-American painter and an art instructor.
Olinsky was born in Elizabethgrad, Russia (now Kirovohrad, Ukraine). After immigrating to the United States at the age of twelve he studied at the National Academy of Design, then worked for the American muralist George Willoughby Maynard, then for Elmer Garnsey, then for John La Farge in Boston until about 1906.
Olinsky became best known for his female portraits in a style that tended towards Impressionism. He was awarded full membership in the National Academy of Design in 1919, and served as a longtime instructor at the Art Students League of New York.
His second daughter Tosca Olinsky (1909-1984) was a notable painter in her own right. Both father and daughter are associated with the Old Lyme Art Colony in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
Provenance:
Collector Christian Buchheit (1885-1974) served for 50 years as a Building Superintendent for The Art Students League in New York. When Mr. Buchheit retired, many of the League artists and teachers paid tribute by presenting him with a 50th year anniversary party that included a portfolio of original watercolors, drawings, oils, and prints.