Anton Losenko

At age seven, he joined the Court Choir but turned to painting after losing his voice. He apprenticed under Ivan Argunov and developed his talent.¹

In 1760, he studied in Paris under neoclassical master Jean II Restout, working on large-scale historical paintings based on biblical themes.¹

While famous for history paintings, he also excelled in portraiture, vividly capturing intellectuals like Alexander Sumarokov.¹

During his stay in Rome, he deeply studied Italian art, especially Raphael, absorbing classical aesthetics to establish his own neoclassical style.¹

Regarded as a founder of the Russian historical painting movement, he laid the foundation for a grand genre focused on Russian national history.¹

He painted 'Vladimir I and Rogneda,' depicting Russian history with classical techniques, which earned him academician status and a professorship.¹

In 1772, he became the Director of the Imperial Academy of Arts, reaching the pinnacle of the Russian art world and focusing on educational reform.¹

He authored the textbook 'Short Explanation of the Human Proportions,' which served as the standard guide for Russian art education until the mid-19th century.¹

As an educator, he mentored many influential artists of the next generation, including Ivan Akimov and the sculptor Mikhail Kozlovsky.¹

He died at the young age of 36 while serving as Director. Despite his short life, he played a crucial role in modernizing Russian art.¹