Early Life and Training
Vladimir Lukich Borovikovsky, a renowned Russian painter, was born on July 24, 1757, in Myrhorod (now Ukraine). His father, Luka Borovyk, was a Ukrainian Cossack and an amateur icon painter. Volodymyr's early life was marked by his service in the Myrhorod regiment, but he soon devoted himself to art, primarily focusing on icon painting for local churches.
Rise to Prominence
A pivotal moment in Borovikovsky's career came when his friend Vasyl Kapnist requested his assistance in creating allegoric paintings for Empress Catherine II's visit to Kremenchuk. The Empress was so impressed with his work that she invited him to Saint Petersburg, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
Artistic Achievements
During his time in Saint Petersburg, Borovikovsky:
* Took private lessons from Dmitry Levitzky and Johann Baptist Lampi
* Became an academician in 1795
* Created over 500 portraits, with approximately 400 surviving to the present day
* His sitters included members of the imperial family, courtiers, generals, aristocrats, and figures from Russia's artistic and literary worlds
Later Life and Legacy
Borovikovsky became a Freemason in 1819 and focused on painting icons, including the Iconostasis of the Smolensky Cemetery church. He passed away on April 6, 1825, and was interred in the Lazarus Cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Monastery in Saint Petersburg.
Notable Mentions:
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Krasnoyarsk Art Museum (Krasnoyarsk, Russia) - features a collection of Russian art, including works by Vasili Ivanovich Surikov and Konstantin Somov
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Natalia Illarionova - a Russian artist known for her captivating artworks reflecting episodes of Ukrainian fairy tales
References:
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Vladimir Borovikovsky on Wikipedia
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Yaroslavl Arts Museum, Yaroslavl, Russia - a renowned institution showcasing Russian art and culture