Nikolay Bogdanov-Belsky

Nikolay Bogdanov-Belsky (1868, Smolensk Governorate, Russian Empire – 1945, Berlin, Germany) – an academician, a portrait and landscape painter.

Nikolay Bogdanov-Belsky graduated from Saint-Petersburg Academy of Arts where he studied at the class of I. Repin.

In the beginning of the XX century, the works of N. Bogdanov-Belsky were exhibited at the established museums of Russia, as well as purchased by them. He was also a highly talented portrait painter and was receiving orders from the members of the ruling dynasty. Among his works are the portraits of the Russian Emperor Nikolay II, prince Sergey Alexandrovich and the Empress Mother Maria Fyodorovna.

In 1903 the artist received the highest award for his contribution into the Russian art - the title of an academician and in 1914 he became a full member of the Academy if Arts.

The collapse of monarchy and the settlement of bolshevik power forced him to move to Latvia, where he continued painting, especially rural landscapes and the peasants of Latgale.

Nikolay Bogdanov-Belsky settled in Riga in 1921. A little later he organized a studio, where ethnic Latvians studied as well. He was very productive as a portrait and landscape painter. In 1936 he was awarded with the highest state award of the Republic of Latvia - the Order of the Three Stars.

From 1922 to 1940 7 exhibitions of the works by N. Bogdanov-Belsky were held in Latvia. Many of his paintings (such as “A Visit”, “To School”, “A Dreamer”) are exhibited in the Latvian Art Museum.

In 1930 he became an honorary member of Russian student fraternity Fraternitas Arctica.

The artist was forced to leave Latvia in 1944. He passed away in Berlin on the 19^th of February 1945.

Nikolay Bogdanov-Belsky:

Art gives people the joy and happiness, which allow them to recognize beauty.

Children have always fascinated me, I have dedicated my life to them and still do …the world of a child is truly good!