"This is one of the few paintings in [Nikolai Getman's] collection that depicts an event or circumstance which Getman did not actually witness. It is dedicated to Aleksandr Getman, the artist's brother, who was executed on December 1, 1934—more than likely having been led down a dimly corridor and shot in the back, in a basement where few were likely to hear. Aleksandr Getman was among a group tried as spies and dissidents operating out of Leningrad. All the victims of this trial were later reportedly rehabilitated—that is, had their names and public stand restored. The artist is intent on seeing his brother's name restored officially and publicly. His campaign to thus memorialize his brother has so far been frustrated however, both by the Soviet government and now by the Russian government."
Source: Art of the Gulag, 2014
Source: Art of the Gulag, 2014