Pavel Fedotov

Born in 1815, Fedotov served as an officer in the Imperial Guards while attending evening classes at the Academy of Fine Arts. He gained a reputation within the army for his portraits of officers and regiment scenes.¹

In 1844, believing a true artist should devote himself entirely to art, he retired from the army. This was a major turning point, as he relied solely on his creative talents despite the financial burden of supporting his family.¹

Initially using pencil and watercolor, Fedotov transitioned to oil painting around 1846. This change in medium allowed his work to mature, leading to complex masterpieces filled with social satire.¹

He achieved great success at the 1848 exhibition in St. Petersburg. His 1851 work 'Major’s Marriage Proposal' is considered a crowning achievement, showcasing his technical maturity and satirical spirit.¹

In 1849, his connections with members of the Petrashevsky Circle led to trouble with official censors. The restrictive political climate deeply affected his mental state and creative output.¹

His late works, such as 'Encore, Encore!', shifted from satire to desperate sorrow, reflecting his personal struggles with severe depression and failing eyesight.¹

In 1852, his mental health rapidly declined, leading to erratic behavior such as proposing to multiple women simultaneously. He was eventually arrested and placed in a mental hospital.¹

He died in a mental clinic at the end of 1852 at the age of 37. It is reported that he suffered brutal corporal punishment during his treatment, making his early death a tragic loss for Russian art.¹