Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (Russian artist, 1848-1916) Laughing Girl 1890Vasily Ivanovich Surikov was born in Krasnoyarsk into a family of Siberian Cossacks. Surikov said later that growing up in the severe natural conditions of Siberia gave him the ideals his culture's historical characters, spirit, strength, & health.
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (Russian artist, 1848-1916) AnfisaHe received his first art lessons from his school teacher, N. V. Grebnev, who, seeing the talent of the boy, started to work with him individually. After finishing school in 1868, the young man left for St. Petersburg on horse-back to join the Academy. He spent a year on his journey, because on his way he made frequent stops in the ancient towns through which he passed. In 1869, he entered the Academy of Art.
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (Russian artist, 1848-1916) Portrait of A I Yemelyanova nee Shreider In 1874, Surikov painted his first historical work & received commissions for 4 big paintings for the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. To fulfill the commissions Surikov moved to Moscow, where he settled permanently.
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (Russian artist, 1848-1916) Study for Boyaryshnya Morosova 1886“When I moved to Moscow, this center of the nation, I immediately found my way in art,” reported Surikov. After the collector of Russian art, Pavel Tretyakov, bought both of Surikov’s history canvases, the artist had money to go abroad. He visited Germany, Italy, France, & Austria, studying and admiring the rich collections & different schools of painting. In 1887, Surikov’s wife died. Her death caused him to fall into a deep depression. He gave up painting, turned to religion, & left with his children for Siberia.
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (Russian artist, 1848-1916) Portrait of T K Domozhilova 1891The atmosphere, familiar from his childhood, plus the caring attitude of his friends restored him to life. In 1891, in Siberia, Surikov painted his most joyous picture Taking of a Snow Fortress, which shows a Siberian game in which a horseman must jump over a sow wall, defended by young people with twigs & whips.
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (Russian artist, 1848-1916) Portrait of L T Mororina 1892Besides his famous historical pictures, Surikov created many portraits & self-portraits which show his interest in the culture of his country as well as the inner world of his models. Surikov executed only about 9 historical canvases out of hundreds of portraits, studies, & sketches; but he is still considered one of Russia's greatest historical painters.
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (Russian artist, 1848-1916) Portrait of Ye A Rachova
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (Russian artist, 1848-1916) Portrait of P I Scherbatova 
