Leonid Beleaev – 100 years since the artist's birth

The work of the artist Leonid Beleaev (1921-1974) is a novel page in the history of fine arts in the Republic of Moldova. His merits in the field of monumental painting, easel and book graphics are indispensable. However, there are still some inaccuracies in various documentary sources about the artist’s work and biography. Thus, together with the analysis of the works created by the plastic artist Leonid Beleaev, a minor additional study was undertaken to clarify the data of his biography. In his best works, Leonid Beleaev, among the first in Moldovan book graphics, aimed to achieve the synthesis of literature with graphic art and complex structuring of the artistic presentation of the book, paving the way for fruitful and versatile searches in the field of polygraphic design. It is worth mentioning the artist's contribution in the field of wood engraving and other graphic techniques. Leonid Beleaev is the first graphic artist in Moldova to start working in fiber engraving. Leonid Beleaev was a true master of plastic expressiveness who strived for perfection in any technique approached.