Russian painter Pimen Orlov
Pimen Orlov was a Russian artist, painter, portraitist, master of genre scenes. He was born in 1812 in Voronezh Province, Russian Empire into a very poor family. Pimen was the son of a miller. Since early childhood the boy was fond of drawing. Parents, however, wanted their son to continue the family business. The peasant family could not pay for his education. But Pimen decided to devote his life to fine arts. As a teenager, he left his home and traveled around the country painting portraits of local landlords, decorating rooms and sometimes even painting roofs and floors. Pimen earned some money and in 1834 he entered the Imperial Academy of Arts. Outstanding Russian artist Karl Bryullov became his mentor. In the middle of the XIX century Bryullov was one of the most famous Russian portraitists and his paintings were highly valued.
Thanks to constant work on portraits the artist was awarded a silver medal of the 2nd degree in 1836. A year later, Pimen Nikitich finished his studies at the Academy with a silver medal of the first degree, which he received for portraits of Prince Golitsyn, Mrs. Timofeeva and the girl Essen.
Orlov went to Italy in 1841. During the time spent abroad the artist created a lot of wonderful pictures. Critics spoke warmly about his work. Part of his paintings Pimen sent to Russia.
In 1849, he was ordered to return to Russia, but the artist managed to convince the government to let him stay in Italy.
Later, in 1857, Orlov received the title of academician of portrait painting.
The painter had never returned to Russia. He died in Rome on September 24, 1865.
Most of the artist’s works are portraits and genre scenes from the life of Italians, but there are also works on historical themes and landscapes.
Most of his works remain in Italy and are in private collections of West European collectors. However, the painting Young Roman Woman At The Fountain and Italian Morning were bought by Emperor Nicholas I.
Currently Orlov’s paintings are in many museums in Russia and the CIS countries: Tretyakov Gallery, Tver Regional Art Gallery, Transcarpathian Regional Art Museum named after J. Bokshay (Ukraine) and others.
Source: www.liveinternet.ru