Andrey Matveevich Matveev (1701 - 1739)

Andrey Matveevich Matveev

Andrey Matveevich Matveev (Russian: Андрей Матвеевич Матвеев) was a pioneering Russian portrait painter, instrumental in the development of secular painting in Russia during the 18th century. Born in 1701 in Novgorod, his early talent was recognized by Peter the Great, who sent him to Western Europe to study. Matveev spent eleven impactful years in the Netherlands and Flanders, honing his skills under notable artists like Carel de Moor before returning to Russia in 1727 as a highly skilled painter​.

Matveev's contributions to Russian art were significant, as he became the first head of the Scenic team at the St. Petersburg Office of the Buildings, overseeing monumental and decorative art projects. His works include several portraits, such as the self-portrait with his wife, considered one of his most reproduced pieces, and the "Portrait of Peter I", both showcasing his refined European techniques and understated style​.

Despite his relatively short life, passing away in 1739 at the age of 38, Matveev left a lasting impact on the Russian art scene, ushering in a new era of portraiture that moved away from the static figures of icon painting. His work is preserved in several major museums, including the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, where his pioneering efforts continue to be celebrated​​.

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