Alexey Kharlamov
/1840-1922(?)/
Alexey Kharlamov overcame humble beginnings as a peasant to become a renowned Russian artist. Showing early talent in drawing, he received lessons and later enrolled in the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, where he excelled as one of the best students.
Kharlamov joined the Association of Traveling Art Exhibitions in 1872 and regularly showcased his paintings at the annual exhibitions of the wanderers in St. Petersburg. His works gained recognition, particularly a portrait of a Mordovian girl, for which he was awarded the title of academician.
In his later years, Kharlamov experienced poverty and loneliness, finding solace in his friendship with French opera singer Felia Litvin. He passed away in 1925 in Paris and was laid to rest at the Pere Lachaise cemetery. Kharlamov was recognized as a master of painting techniques and a skilled colorist. While his name was largely forgotten for many years, there has been a recent resurgence of interest in his art, leading to increased sales of his works at auctions.