Simon Ushakov (1626 - 1686)

Simon Ushakov

Simon (Pimen) Fyodorovich Ushakov (Russian: Симон (Пимен) Фёдорович Ушаков) was a leading Russian icon painter of the 17th century, known for his significant contributions to the art world and the Russian Orthodox Church's comprehensive reform. Born circa 1626 in Moscow, Russia, Ushakov became a prominent figure in Russian art, blending traditional iconography with innovative techniques that heralded a new era in religious and secular painting​​​​.

Ushakov's work was characterized by the use of bright, fresh colors and exquisite, curving lines that reflected a proto-baroque influence. This style caught the eye of Patriarch Nikon and Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, leading to Ushakov's appointment to the Kremlin Armoury in 1664. Despite some conservative criticism for his "Western" approach to iconography, Ushakov's icons, such as the famous "The Last Supper" (1685), "Our Lady of Vladimir" (1668), and "Archangel Michael Trampling the Devil Underfoot" (1676), have become celebrated pieces of Russian art, housed in prestigious museums like the State Historical Museum, State Tretyakov Gallery, and the State Russian Museum​​.

Ushakov was not only a painter but also a theorist and educator, publishing a treatise on icon painting and influencing future generations of artists. His pupils, including Georgy Zinoviev, Ivan Maximov, and Mikhail Malyutin, carried on his legacy, blending traditional and Western styles into Russian iconography well into the 20th century​​. Ushakov's icons, known for their spiritual depth and artistic innovation, played a pivotal role in the development of Russian painting and helped foster interest in Russian art in Western Europe​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Ushakov's work represents a bridge between the spiritual and the innovative, marking a significant period in Russian art history. His contributions to iconography and secular painting have left an indelible mark on the art world.

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