In the early 1930s, Osolodkov painted several compositions on the subject of “Foundry Workers”, as well as separate figures of workers. In this painting, the artist accentuates the consecrated manner of the labour process, the sacrament of the handling of fire and the light effects. Judging by how it is lined with cells, this work was meant to be transferred to a monumental mural, fully in keeping with the needs of the time, but few were realised.

Osolodkov Pyotr

Osolodkov, Pyotr Alexeevich
1898, Rybinsk - 1942, Leningrad
Painter, graphic artist. Studied at the art studio of the 5th Army and the Mikhail Vrubel Art Industrial College (Omsk, 1920–1924), Higher Art and Tech¬nical Studios/ Higher Art and Technical Institute (Leningrad, 1924–1929); postgraduate student at the Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architec¬ture of the All-Russian Academy of Arts (1931‒1934) under Alexander Savinov, attended exten¬sion courses at the Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of the All-Russian Academy of Arts (1934–1936). Contributed to exhibitions (from 1927). Member and exhibitor of the Circle of Artists (1926–1932). Taught at Leningrad art studios.