Lev Lagorio
/1826-1905/
Lev Lagorio was born in Feodosia, Crimea, into a family with Italian roots. He received his initial artistic training under Ivan Aivazovsky from 1839 to 1840. With the support of Alexander Kaznacheyev, the Governor of Taurida, Lagorio enrolled at the Imperial Academy of Arts in 1842. During his time at the academy, he studied under notable artists such as Alexander Sauerweid, Maxim Vorobiev, and Bogdan Willewalde. After graduating with honors in 1850, he spent several years in Paris and Rome. Upon his return to Russia in 1860, he was appointed a Professor and showcased his works inspired by Italy.
Lagorio made multiple trips to the Caucasus, presenting a series of landscapes to Tsar Alexander II in 1861. He participated in the Caucasian War in 1863 and 1864, accompanying Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolayevich. Lagorio settled in Saint Petersburg, spent summers in Sudak, and frequently traveled abroad. In 1885, Lagorio received a commission to create a series of paintings depicting the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. He visited battlefields across Europe and Asia to gather inspiration. In 1900, he was honored as an honorary member of the Academy.