LEONID BERLIN (1925-2001) Illustration for the collection of poems 'Optimism' by Nazim Hikmet

signed in Cyrillic and dated 'L Berlin 1956' (lower right), titled, extensively inscribed and dated (on the reverse), ownership stamp of Igor Dichenko collection (on the reverse) charcoal on paper 41.7 x 31.5 cm Provenance: Collection of Igor Dichenko (Ihor Dychenko) (1946-2015), Soviet and Ukrainian collector, art historian, and painter; one of the ideologists of the Ukrainian avant-garde, Kyiv. Private collection, Europe Leonid Berlin (1930–2021) Russian sculptor and painter, prominent in the unofficial art scene of the 1970s–1980s. Known for genre sculpture, portraiture, and works influenced by kinetic art. Also active in painting, graphic arts, book illustration, and film set design. Designed four Moscow Metro stations. Honored as a People's Artist of Russia.