10.06.1799 – 23.09.1875

Fedor Bruni is a Russian artist of Italian origin. A bright representative of the academic school of painting.

Fedor Bruni (real name Fidelio) was born on June 10, 1799 in Milan, in the family of a Swiss Italian artist and restorer Antonio Bruni, who in 1807, came to Russia from Italy.

Following the example of his father, Fedor decided to become an artist and at the age of ten years he entered the Educational school at the Academy of arts. He was a very capable student, was soon awarded a silver medal and was awarded the title of artist. After training, the father sent his son to Italy. The study of exemplary works of ancient artists finally determined the direction of the young Fidelio, renamed in Russia to Theodore.

The first serious picture Fedor Bruni wrote at the age of 22 years. The painting “the Death of Camille, Horace’s sister” was exhibited in the Capitol and brought Fedor first fame. In Russia for the same picture he was awarded the title of academician. No less famous paintings of the painter are: “the Agony in the garden,” “the brazen serpent”, “the awakening of the graces”, “Bacchante, paasa Cupid”, “the Sleeping nymph” and many others.

Also, Bruni became known for the painting of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Being appointed in 1849 the curator of the Hermitage art gallery, he lovingly engaged in it; twice he was sent abroad to buy paintings that served to replenish the Museum’s collection. Since 1855, ODA was the rector of the Academy of arts in the Department of painting and sculpture. By the end of his life he was an honorary member of the Bologna and Milan Academy of arts, Professor Emeritus of The Florentine Academy of arts and the Academy of St. Luke in Rome.

At present, the burial of Fyodor Antonovich Bruni is located at the Tikhvin cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.