Alexey Tarasovich Markov

Alexey Tarasovich Markov (Russian: Алексей Тарасович Марков, 24 March 1802, Veliky Novgorod - 12 March 1878, Saint Petersburg) was a Russian history painter, academician and Professor Emeritus at the Imperial Academy of Arts.

Biography

His father was a watchmaker. He studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts under Andrey Ivanovich Ivanov, Alexei Yegorov and Vasily Shebuyev, graduating in 1824. He received a gold medal and a stipend for a study trip outside of Russia in 1830, as recognition for his painting "Socrates, Before his Death, Talking with Students About the Immortality of the Soul".

He visited Dresden and Rome, copying frescoes and paintings as well as producing his own. His work "Fortune and the Beggar" brought him the title of Academician. In 1842, he became a Professor (2nd Degree). Ten years later, he was promoted to Professor (1st Degree) and was awarded the title of Distinguished Professor in 1865.

Although he was an excellent craftsman, his chief contribution to Russian art was his diligent teaching. He sought out young artists, who in turn favored his classes when requesting apprenticeships.

One of his most prominent works is "Joseph Meeting his Brothers in Egypt", in the attic of Saint Isaac's Cathedral.