Early Life and Education
Igor Emmanuilovich Grabar (1871 – 1960) was a Russian Post-Impressionist painter, publisher, restorer and historian of art. Grabar, descendant of a wealthy Rusyn family, was born in Budapest (then the Austro-Hungarian Empire, now Hungary) on March 25, 1871. His parents, and grand-parents, were active participants of the Slav liberation movement and were persecuted by the government. The little boy saw his parents very rarely. In 1876 his father had to flee to Russia; his wife and the boy follow in 1880.
In 1882, after graduating from a gymnasium in the provincial town of Egorievsk, Grabar studied at the Moscow Lyceum, where, along with academic studies he learnt painting, studied art, visited galleries and exhibitions and made acquaintances with artists, art patrons and critics. His classmates and teachers in the Lyceum served as models for his first paintings; he was also fond of landscapes.
His interest in drawing was sparked by the stream of magazine publications following the 1881 murder of Alexander II of Russia. He later enrolled in Mikhail Katkov's boarding school in Moscow, making contacts with students from the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Artistic Career and Notable Works Grabar trained under Ilya Repin in Saint Petersburg and Anton Àžbe in Munich. He reached his peak in painting between 1903–1907, notable for a peculiar divisionist technique bordering on pointillism and his rendition of snow. Some of his notable works include: Landscape with a haystack, showcasing his skill in capturing the beauty of nature. The Embroideress, a prime example of the realist style popular in Russia during the 19th century. Going to work, a painting that reflects the daily life of the russian people. Museum and Art Restoration In 1913, Grabar was appointed executive director of the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. He diversified the collection into modern art and published its first comprehensive catalogue in 1917. As a professor of art restoration at the Moscow State University (1921), he played a crucial role in the soviet art establishment. Notable Museums Featuring Grabar's Work Novokuznetsk Art Museum, Russia, housing an impressive collection of russian and european artworks. Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, a world-renowned museum with an extensive collection of russian fine art. Museo Kharkov Museum of Art (Ukraine), featuring a vast collection of opere d’arte from the 14th century. Legacy and Later Life Grabar remained at the top of the soviet art establishment until his death on May 16, 1960. He managed art-restoration workshops during 1918–1930 and from 1944 to 1960. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. References: Igor Grabar - Wikipedia
