Ismailov Najafkuli Abdulragim ogly

Azerbaijani Soviet graphic artist, chief artist of the Kirpi magazine, Honored Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR (1963).

Najafkuli Ismailov was born on March 15, 1923 in Baku. In 1936 he entered the Azerbaijan State Art College, from which he graduated in 1940.

He was the author of paintings on everyday life (“Realist Artist”, 1963), historical themes (“Execution of Nasimi”, 1958), as well as portraits of famous personalities (“Fatali Khan of Kuba”, 1947; “Mother”, “Samed Vurgun”, 1967; “Architect M. Useynov”, 1973, “U. Gadzhibekov”, 1975).

Najafquli also worked in the field of graphics. From 1952 to 1979, he drew humorous drawings and caricatures for the Kirpi magazine. His posters and book illustrations are famous. (Stories by J. Mammadkulizade, 1946; Anniversary edition of “Khophopname” by M. A. Sabir, 1962).

From 1977 to 1982 he created copper bas-reliefs of Fuzuli, Mirza Alekper Sabir, Uzeyir Hajibeyov and others.

Najafquli's works were demonstrated at exhibitions dedicated to Soviet art in the GDR, Canada, Lebanon and other countries.