The Enduring Legacy: Vladimir Vysotsky’s Death Mask Heads to Auction
Have you ever considered how we preserve the memory of cultural icons? Beyond photographs and recordings,objects imbued with personal history offer a uniquely powerful connection to the past. Next week,a poignant piece of Soviet history – a bronze cast of the death mask of Vladimir vysotsky – will be offered at auction by Hermitage Fine Art in Monaco. This isn’t just an art sale; it’s a glimpse into the life and lasting impact of a man who became a voice for a generation. This article delves into the story behind this remarkable artifact, its historical context, and what makes it so valuable to collectors and fans alike.
A Voice Silenced Too Soon: Understanding Vysotsky’s Influence
Vladimir Vysotsky wasn’t merely a singer-songwriter and actor; he was a cultural phenomenon. His raw, emotionally charged songs, often tackling themes of freedom, social injustice, and everyday struggles, resonated deeply with audiences in the Soviet Union during a period of strict censorship. Did You Know? Vysotsky released no official albums during his lifetime due to his politically sensitive lyrics, yet his music circulated widely through magnitizdat – a Soviet equivalent of samizdat, but for audio recordings.
His gravelly voice and poetic lyrics, delivered with unparalleled intensity, earned him a cult following. He starred in over 30 films, but it was his music that cemented his legacy. He died tragically young at the age of 42 in 1980, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and move listeners today.
The Mask: A Preservation of Memory
The bronze cast up for auction originates from the estate of Marina vlady, Vysotsky’s widow and a celebrated French actress. it’s estimated to be worth between €100,000 and €120,000 ($115,700-$138,800 as of November 2023).But the story behind the mask is as compelling as the artist himself.
The original plaster cast was created on July 25, 1980 – the very day of Vysotsky’s death – by Soviet sculptor Yury Vasilyev, under Vlady’s direct supervision. Pro Tip: Death masks, while seemingly morbid, have a long and rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations. They were often created to preserve the likeness of important figures for posterity.
Vlady recounted the creation of the mask in her 2005 memoir, explaining her desire to preserve her husband’s image. She noted the tradition, referencing Vysotsky’s own interest with a death mask of Alexander pushkin.Onyl two other bronze casts are known to exist, making this piece exceptionally rare.
comparing Vysotsky’s Mask to Other Iconic Memorials
| Feature | Vysotsky’s Death Mask | Pushkin’s Death Mask | Marilyn monroe’s Death Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artist | Yury Vasilyev | Unknown | Lew Magram |
| Material | Bronze (from plaster original) | Plaster | Plaster |
| context | Created immediately after death, personal commission | Created post-mortem, public figure | Created for estate purposes |
| Rarity | Extremely rare (only 3 known bronze casts) | Relatively common | moderately rare |
| Estimated value (2023) | €100,000 - €120,000 | Varies, $5,000 – $20,000 | $10,000 – $30,000 |
The auction Details & Broader Context of Russian Art
The auction, taking place both in person and online next Tuesday, features over 200 works of 19th and 20th-century Russian and Eastern European art. This sale provides a fascinating snapshot of the region’s artistic heritage. the inclusion of Vysotsky’s death mask highlights the intersection of art, history, and personal remembrance.
Recent trends in the art market show a continued interest in Russian art, despite geopolitical complexities. According to a report by Art Basel and UBS (October
