16.07.1806 – 03.07.1858

July 16, 1806 the famous Russian artist Alexander Ivanov was born. His father, a professor of painting, early saw the talent of his son and became his first mentor. Further his studies, Alexander Ivanov continues with Professor F.E. Egorova and in 1824 receives a small gold medal for the painting “Priam asks Achilles for the corpse of Hector”, after three years, persistently improving his skills, the artist will be awarded a large gold medal. The Society for the Encouragement of Young Artists in 1830 provides funds for Ivanov’s trip to Italy, where he continued his studies, copying the paintings of famous painters.

During his stay in Italy, Alexander Ivanov is fond of biblical themes and writes the painting “The Appearance of Jesus Christ to Mary Magdalene.” The work is executed in the best traditions of academic painting, and it is highly appreciated both in Italy and at home. In 1836 the leadership of the Academy of Arts awarded the young artist the title of academician.

In 1837 Ivanov began to create the canvas of his whole life – the grandiose “Appearance of Christ to the people”. This titanic work lasted for long twenty years, the artist wrote countless sketches, the master wanted to convey the whole essence of Christian teaching. In the center of the picture is depicted John the Baptist, pointing at the appearance of the Mission, to his left is a group of apostles, believers who performed the ritual of ablution, froze in awe and wonder.

In 1858, Ivanov presented his grandiose canvas in Petersburg, where the painting was met with admiration and showered with enthusiastic reviews. In the same year overnight, a famous artist dies of cholera. Today this picture is in the Tretyakov Gallery.