Vasily Khudiakov

Vasily Khudiakov studied at Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture and Imperial Academy of Arts. The field of work recorded is painting. Subjects and genres recorded for the work are portrait. Places of work recorded in the authority are Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Paris. Work by Vasily Khudiakov is recorded in the collections of Hermitage Museum and Tretyakov Gallery.

• Native Name — Василий Григорьевич Худяков • Born — 5 January 1826 • Birthplace — Akshuat, Simbirsk Governorate • Died — 26 July 1876 • Place of death — St. Petersburg • Known for — Painting • Alma Mater — Moscow School of Painting Alumni • Education — Member Professor

He began his studies at the Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry, then spent almost two years at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture (MSPSA). His mentor there was Professor Fyodor Zav'yalov, who invited him to be an assistant for decorative work that was being done in the entrance hall of Kremlin Palace. Some of his paintings were shown at the Imperial Academy of Arts, where they received a silver medal. In 1848, he went to Saint Petersburg and audited classes at the Academy. In his rush to be named a "Free Artist", he accepted a silver medal and passed up the opportunity to compete for a gold one. After that, he mostly painted portraits on commission. In 1851, upon completing one of Dean Avraam Melnikov, he was named an "Academician". Among other notable works at this time were "Finnish Smugglers", one of the first two works purchased by Pavel Tretyakov for his gallery, and "Persecution of Christians in the East", purchased by Tsar Nicholas I as a gift to King Otto of Greece. In 1856, he visited France and Italy; staying in Paris, Rome and Naples for about four years while continuing to execute commissions for members of the Russian nobility. On the basis of these works, he was named a Professor by the Academy in 1860. After returning, he became a teacher at the MSPSA. In 1862, he moved to Saint Petersburg, where he continued to exhibit frequently. He died of cholera in 1871.

Vasily Khudiakov is recorded as having studied at Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture and Imperial Academy of Arts.