Pavel Chistyakov

Biography

His father was a freed serf who had worked as an estate manager. Despite the financial burdens, he saw to it that his son had a proper education; first at a parish school in Krasny Kholm, then the secondary school in Bezhetsk.

In 1849, he entered the Imperial Academy of Arts, where he studied with Pyotr Basin and Maxim Vorobiev. From 1854 to 1858, he received two silver medals and one gold, for his depiction of Hermogenes in prison. In 1861, he graduated with the title of "Artist", another gold medal (for his painting of Sophia of Lithuania at the wedding of her son, Vasily II) and the right to a stipend for study abroad. Before leaving, he taught for a short time at a preparatory school in Saint Petersburg.

In 1862, he headed for Germany, followed by lengthy visits to Paris and Rome. Upon returning in 1870, he was awarded the title of "Academician" for several works he had sent home.

After this time, he devoted himself primarily to teaching, first at the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, then the Academy, where he developed his own teaching methods which merged direct observation with scientific study. He rarely exhibited. His few works were mostly of an historical nature, which he attempted to infuse with a psychological depth, rather than merely representing the events.

He became an Associate Professor at the Academy in 1872 and, following the reorganization of 1892, became a member of the Academic Council. From 1890 to 1912, he served as head of the Department of Mosaics and oversaw several mosaic projects; notably at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and Saint Isaac's Cathedral.

His wife Vera, daughter of the painter Yegor Meyer, was also an artist of some note. The street where he lived was named in his honor and, in 1987, his home became a museum.