Leonid Sokov (Russian-American, 1941–2018) “Stalin” Bronze Sculpture, Signed & Dated 1994

Leonid Sokov (1941–2018)

“Stalin”, 1994

Bronze sculpture with greenish patina and bear paw motifs underneath

Signed underneath and dated 1994

Size: 18 in. (46 cm) height, 7 in. (18 cm) width, 6 in. (15 cm) depth.

A powerful and highly expressive bronze sculpture by internationally acclaimed Russian nonconformist artist Leonid Sokov. Created in 1994, shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union, this striking work reflects Sokov’s celebrated exploration of Soviet political mythology through irony, fragmentation, and conceptual symbolism.

Depicting Joseph Stalin in the artist’s characteristic rough sculptural manner, the figure is dramatically fractured with deep openings exposing the interior bronze surfaces beneath the dark greenish patina, creating a compelling metaphor for the collapse and inner decay of Soviet ideology. Particularly notable are the stylized bear paw motifs cast underneath the sculpture, an unusual symbolic element further reinforcing the work’s powerful political and conceptual character.

A rare and museum-quality post-Soviet conceptual bronze sculpture by one of the most important Russian émigré artists of the late 20th century.

Condition: Excellent overall condition with intentional casting irregularities and artist-designed openings consistent with the original artistic conception.