Early Life and Education
Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi, a renowned Russian landscape painter of Greek descent, was born in January 1842 (1841?) in Mariupol, Ukraine. His formative years were spent in the city of Taganrog, where his family resided. Kuindzhi's Christian name is a Russian and Ukrainian rendering of the Greek "Ἄρχιππος" (Archippos), meaning "master of horses."
- At the age of six, Kuindzhi lost his parents and was forced to make a living by working at a church building site, grazing domestic animals, and working at a corn merchant's shop.
- He received the rudiments of an education from a Greek family friend who was a teacher and then attended the local school.
Artistic Career
In 1855, at age 13-14, Kuindzhi visited Feodosia to study art under
Ivan Aivazovsky, but he was only engaged in mixing paints. Instead, he studied with
Adolf Fessler, Aivazovsky's student.
- From 1860 to 1865, Kuindzhi worked as a retoucher in the photography studio of Simeon Isakovich in Taganrog.
- He attempted to open his own photography studio but was unsuccessful, leading him to leave Taganrog for Saint Petersburg.
- Kuindzhi studied painting mainly independently and at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts (from 1868; a full member since 1893).
Notable Works and Legacy
Kuindzhi's mature period was marked by his aspiration to capture the most expressive illuminative aspect of natural conditions. He applied composite receptions, creating panoramic views.
Kuindzhi lectured at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts (Professor since 1892; Professor-head of landscape workshop since 1894) and initiated the creation of the
Society of Artists (1909).
Explore More with WahooArt
Discover Kuindzhi's works and other masterpieces at [https://WahooArt.com/@/Arkhip-Ivanovich-Kuindzhi](https://WahooArt.com/@/Arkhip-Ivanovich-Kuindzhi) | 104 Artworks
Learn more about the artist's life and works, and explore the vast collection of art at WahooArt, from [Medieval Art](https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/Rubriques) to [Abstract Art](https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/Buy-Photo-To-Print).
- Check out [The Museum Cathedral of Freiberg, Germany](https://WahooArt.com/@@/A@D3CHUM-The-Museum-Cathedral-of-Freiberg-Germany) and other architectural landmarks.
- Read about [The Society of Artists](https://WahooArt.com/@/Arkhip-Ivanovich-Kuindzhi), founded by Kuindzhi in 1909.
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