Nathan Altman: A Pioneer of Russian Avant-Garde Nathan isaevich altman (1889 – 1970) stands as a monumental figure in the annals of Russian avant-garde art, embodying a unique confluence of Jewish heritage, Cubist experimentation, and fervent engagement with Soviet ideology. Born in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, to a family of Jewish merchants, Altman’s formative years instilled within him an appreciation for cultural diversity and intellectual curiosity—qualities that would profoundly shape his artistic trajectory. His early studies at Odessa Art College laid the groundwork for a burgeoning talent, c…