Figure 1.--Ivan Firsov's "A Young Painter," painted in 1767 shows a young artist painting a portrait of a small girl, who sits on a stool with her feet on a little bench. The artist wears a suit in knee breaches, not unlikewhat an adult artist ould have worn.

The life and art of Ivan Ivanovich Firsov are shrouded in mystery. Very little is known about 18th century Russian artist. We know nothing about his parents and childhood. He was born in 1733. Little is known about Russian Emperess Catherine the Great sent Ivan Ivanovich Firsov to study in Paris at the Academy of Painting and Sculpture. It is reported that while in Paris he lived in a hairdresser's home. He died sometime after 1785. Many of his paintings, especially hi early works, sem to show French rather than Russian scenes--not doubt because of his training in France. Firov's work or some time were attribute to the better known classical painter and professor of the Academy of Arts Losenko. Thius wasin part because he signed some of them. We do not undrstand the relationship between Firov and Losenko. Many of his paintings, especially his early works, sem to show French rather than Russian scenes--not doubt because of his training in France. The artist wears a suit in knee breaches, not unlike what an adult artist ould have worn.

Biography

Very little is known about 18th century Russian artist. We know nothing about his parents and childhood. He was born in 1733. Little is known about Russian Emperess Catherine the Great sent Ivan Ivanovich Firsov to study in Paris at the Academy of Painting and Sculpture. It is reported that while in Paris he lived in a hairdresser's home. He died sometime after 1785. Firsov was a pupil of Giuseppe Variani and Antonio Peresinotti.

Career

When in St. Petersburg, Firsov worked in the Czar's palaces 1747-56. He also made icons in 1748 for the Chapel of Zarskoje Selo. Many of his paintings, especially his early works, seem to show French rather than Russian scenes--not doubt because of his training in France. Firov's work or some time were attribute to the better known classical painter and professor of the Academy of Arts Losenko. This was in part because he signed some of them. We do not undrstand the relationship between Firov and Losenko.

Painting

We note one especially interesting Firov painting. It is considered his masterpiece--"In the Studio of a Young Painter," signed later by the Losenko. This is Firov's best known painting and is of interst to HBC because it shows mid-18th century youth clothing. The setting may be the home of a Paris hair dresser where Firsov lived while studying in Paris. Ivan Firsov's "A Young Painter," painted in 1767 shows a young artist painting a portrait of a small girl, who sits on a stool with her feet on a little bench. She leans against her mother, who holds her still. The painting is of historical interest because there are relatively few 18th century Russian painters of importance. This image also seems so fresh and alive, the posing so natural.

Clothing

The artist wears a suit in knee breaches, not unlikewhat an adult artist ould have worn.

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Created: September 21, 2002
Last updated: September 28, 2002