First Russian translation of Du "Cubisme", a theoretical treatise on cubism

Rare first Russian translation of the pioneering theoretical treatise on Cubism, Du “Cubisme” (1912), rendered into Russian by Ekaterina Nizen (née Guro, 1874–1972).

Nizen was the sister of Futurist painter and writer Elena Guro, a central figure in the Russian avant-garde. Her translation was reviewed favorably by Guro’s husband, composer and painter Mikhail Matiushin, in the third issue of the Futurist journal Soiuz molodezhi. Through this work, the ideas of Cubism reached Russian audiences and significantly shaped the development of Russian modernist art.

Although Nizen herself has remained relatively obscure, she was deeply embedded in the modernist movement, contributing to Futurist anthologies and signing two important manifestos. This translation represents her most influential contribution, bridging French Cubist theory and Russian avant-garde practice.

Notably, a competing translation by M. Volosin appeared in Moscow later the same year, highlighting the urgency with which Russian intellectual circles sought to engage with Cubism.

An important and rare survival of the Russian avant-garde in print. A cornerstone for collectors of Cubism, Futurism, Russian modernist art, and early 20th-century translation history.