Alexander Yakovlev, a renowned Russian painter, excelled in various artistic disciplines, including drawing, portraiture, genre paintings, landscapes, theater decoration, and murals. Yakovlev's father was a renowned engineer, while his mother was a doctor of mathematical sciences, and his siblings were accomplished as well. After graduating from the real school in 1904, he continued his studies at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, forming lifelong friendships with fellow artists Boris Grigoriev and Vasily Shukhaev.

In 1914, he traveled to Italy on an Academy pension, studying the works of old masters and showcasing his artistic journey in an exhibition. In 1919, Yakovlev moved to Paris, achieving unexpected success with works on Oriental themes, leading to exhibitions in London and Chicago. Throughout the 1920s, his works gained recognition in Europe and America. He maintained a connection with Russia, holding an exhibition at the Academy of Arts in 1928.

In 1931-1932, he embarked on an expedition to East Asian countries, resulting in a series of ethnographic-themed works exhibited in France. Later, he accepted a position as a professor at the Academy of Arts in Boston, continuing to showcase his works in solo exhibitions. Tragically, he succumbed to stomach cancer in 1938 and was buried in Paris. Alexander Yakovlev's artistic legacy endures through his fusion of avant-garde and classical elements, employing techniques like graphics and sangina. His works are cherished in numerous museum collections and private galleries, honoring his adventurous and influential life.