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Ilya Glazunov
Илья Глазунов, 2015.jpg
Glazunov in 2015
Born
Ilya Sergeyevich Glazunov
Илья Сергеевич Глазунов

(1930-06-10)10 June 1930
Died 9 July 2017(2017-07-09) (aged 87)
Nationality Russian
Known for painting
Awards Orden for Service I.png Full cavalier of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland"

Ilya Sergeyevich Glazunov (Russian: Илья́ Серге́евич Глазуно́в) was a famous Russian artist. He was born on June 10, 1930, and passed away on July 9, 2017. He is known for his paintings that often show historical or religious scenes.

Glazunov started the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in Moscow. He was the head of this academy until he died. He was also given the special title of People's Artist of the RSFSR. Some of his well-known works include Russia the Eternal and The 20th Century Mystery. He also created illustrations for books by the famous writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

Biography

Early Life and Education

Ilya Glazunov was born in Leningrad, which is now called Saint Petersburg. His parents, Sergey Fyodorovich Glazunov and Olga Konstantinovna Glazunova, came from noble Russian families. His father was a historian.

As a child, Ilya went to a special art school. Later, he attended a secondary art school in the Petrogradskaya Storona area.

Surviving the Siege

During World War II, Glazunov lived through the terrible Siege of Leningrad. This was a very difficult time when the city was surrounded. Sadly, his father, mother, and other family members died during the siege.

In 1942, when he was just eleven years old, Ilya was moved out of Leningrad. He traveled along the "Road of Life," which was the only way to get supplies into the city. He stayed in a village called Greblo for a while. In 1944, he returned to Leningrad. He then continued his art studies at the Leningrad Secondary Art School. From 1951 to 1957, he studied painting at the I. Repin Institute. His teacher was Professor Boris Ioganson.

Family and Career Beginnings

In 1956, Ilya Glazunov married Nina Vinogradova-Benois. He painted her in many of his artworks. Nina came from the famous Benois family, who were well-known in the art world. Her uncle was the artistic director of the La Scala Opera for 30 years. Ilya and Nina had two children, Ivan and Vera, who both became artists too.

Ilya Glazunov had his first art show in Moscow in 1957. This happened after he did very well at an art competition in Prague. In the 1960s, he traveled to Italy. There, he painted portraits of many famous people. These included actors like Gina Lollobrigida and Anita Ekberg. He also painted portraits of important political leaders. Some of these leaders were Indira Gandhi, Leonid Brezhnev, and Andrei Gromyko.

In 1978, Glazunov started teaching art at Moscow University. Later, in 1987, he founded the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture.

Protecting History

During the 1970s, Ilya Glazunov helped protect the historic center of Moscow. There was a plan to rebuild parts of the city that would have damaged old buildings. Glazunov and others gathered signatures from important people. They sent a letter to the government to protest the plan. Because of their efforts, the project was stopped. This also led to a group being formed to watch over other building plans.

Glazunov also strongly supported rebuilding the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. This was a very important church that had been destroyed. He also helped start the All-Russian Society for Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments. This group works to save historical and cultural sites.

Later Life and Passing

Ilya Glazunov passed away on July 9, 2017, at the age of 87. He died from heart failure. He was buried in the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow.

Photo of Ilia Glazuov's paint "Timeless Russia"
«Timeless Russia», 1988

Works

Ilya Glazunov created many powerful and meaningful paintings. Here are some of his notable works:

  • The Great Experiment: This is a large painting about Russia in the 20th century.
  • "Legend of the Grand Inquisitor" Triptych: A triptych is a painting made of three parts. This one illustrates a story from a book by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
    • Grand Inquisitor: This is the left part of the triptych.
    • Golgotha: This is the central part of the triptych.
    • Dostoyevsky. Night: This is the right part of the triptych.

Honors and Awards

Ilya Glazunov received many awards and honors for his contributions to art and culture.

  • A minor planet in space, called 3616 Glazunov, is named after him! It was discovered in 1984.
  • He received the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" four times. This is a very high award in Russia.
    • 1st class (2010) - for his amazing work in art and teaching.
    • 2nd class (2005) - for his great achievements in art and education.
    • 3rd class (2000) - for his important contributions to national art.
    • 4th class (1995) - for his service to the country and helping different nations work together.
  • Order of the Red Banner of Labour (1985)
  • People's Artist of the USSR (1980): This is a very high artistic title.
  • Honoured Artist of the RSFSR (1973)
  • State Prize of the Russian Federation (1997): He received this for helping restore the Moscow Kremlin.
  • "For Service to Moscow" insignia: For his great work in arts and art education in Moscow.
  • Order of St. Andrei Rublev, 1st class (2010): An award from the Russian Orthodox Church for his art.
  • UNESCO Gold Medal: For his "outstanding contribution to world culture."
  • He was an honorary member of several important art and historical groups.
  • He was named "The most outstanding artist of the 20th century" in a poll in 1999.
  • He was a member of the Russian Academy of Arts (2000).

See also

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