Ivan G. Olinsky

A Russian-American painter and an art instructor, Ivan G. Olinsky (1878-1962)) is best known for his female portraits that are narrative, theatrical and on the verge of movement. He painted beautiful women with smooth features and flawless complexion but these were not subjects exoticized for the male gaze. He captured distinct individualities of women through his portraits. 

The female subjects of Olinsky’s portraits are often shown in their natural setting with a strongly independent aura about their persona. Even though they seem to represent many characteristic traits of femininity: intricacy and grace, the expression in their eyes speaks of a self-willed and determined attribute. Although adorned in mundane attire, the compositions are extremely in the stance of movement, about to pop out of the canvas. Are these narratives of common women? Or do they highlight the tiny pleasures of routine?

Born in Elizabethgrad, Russia (now Kirovohrad, Ukraine), Olinksy immigrated to the United States with his family when he was barely 12 years old. He studied at the National Academy of Design under the mentorship of the likes of George W. Maynard. He also got an opportunity to work for famous artist John La Farge later.

Olinksy toured Italy and France with his wife to study the masters at Louvre and paint scenes along the canals of Venice. This tour became a defining moment in his artistic career. When he returned to the US, he set up a studio and began to do portraits of his wife and daughters. Soon, Olinsky matured into a serious artist and became well known for his female portraits in a style tilting towards impressionism.

In 1919, Olinksy was awarded full membership of the National Academy of Design. He also taught at the Art Students League of New York for a long time.