Special
Mikhail Chemiakin Metaphysical Triptych Set of 3 Original Lithographs, c. 1980
Mikhail Chemiakin Metaphysical Triptych – Set of 3 Original Lithographs, c. 1980
Edition 67/75 | Signed by Artist | Lithographs on Japanese Paper
This rare and visually arresting matched triptych by Russian-born artist Mikhail Chemiakin (also spelled Shemyakin) was created circa 1980 during a pivotal period in his post-Soviet exile. Each of the three original lithographs is printed on delicate handmade Japanese paper, signed in pencil by the artist, and numbered 67 out of a limited edition of only 75. Unified not just by their themes but also by their matching edition number, the works form a cohesive and intentional set—an unusual and highly sought-after find among Chemiakin collectors.
This triptych reflects Chemiakin’s deep engagement with both the visual traditions of Russian iconography and Western surrealism. It also connects with the broader Russian Nonconformist Art movement, within which Chemiakin was a prominent figure. His training in theatrical design and fascination with historical anatomical studies are visible throughout these works, imbuing them with both psychological intensity and compositional precision.
The lithographs each measure approximately 24.5 by 17.5 inches within the image area, with full sheets extending to around 30 by 22 inches, preserving their original deckled edges. Never framed and kept in excellent condition, the prints showcase Chemiakin's distinctive metaphysical style: abstracted anatomical forms arranged within grid-like compositions, echoing the structure of medical diagrams and surrealist iconography. The interplay of vivid colors and biomorphic shapes speaks to themes of identity, transformation, and myth—hallmarks of the artist’s broader body of work.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a complete, signed, and matched triptych from one of the most imaginative and influential artists of the late 20th century. Museum-worthy and exceptionally rare, it is a centerpiece for serious collectors of surrealism, émigré art, or Russian avant-garde traditions.
