Portrait of Else Prior Havemann

Filipp Andreevich Malyavin, a distinguished Russian painter and graphic artist, was born on October 23, 1869, in the village of Kazanka, Samara Governorate, into a large family of state Cossacks. From an early age, Malyavin showed a prodigious talent for drawing, beginning his artistic endeavors between four and five years old by copying icons and painting portraits of his fellow villagers. His journey into the arts took a pivotal turn in 1885 when he accompanied an Athonite monk to Greece, aiming to master ecclesiastical painting at the Monastery of St. Panteleimon. His potential was recognized by sculptor V.A. Beklemishev in 1891, who encouraged him to pursue formal education at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, where Malyavin enrolled as a non-degree student in the autumn of 1892. Malyavin's work is celebrated for its unique blend of modernism, impressionism, and expressionism, making significant contributions to Russian art. He was a member of the influential art associations 'World of Art' and 'Union of Russian Artists.' Beyond his artistic achievements, Malyavin is noted for his 'Leniniana' series, capturing the likeness of Vladimir Lenin, among other prominent figures such as Anatoly Lunacharsky and Leon Trotsky, from life. His early years at the academy were marked by his distinctive appearance and devout mannerisms, as recalled by contemporaries like Anna Ostroumova-Lebedeva, who noted his humble and focused demeanor. Malyavin's legacy extends beyond his death in Nice on December 23, 1940, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be revered for its emotional depth and innovative style.