Matvei Dobrov

Graphic artist, painter, illustrator, writer on engraving, teacher. Born in the family of Alexei Dobrov in Moscow (1877). Studied at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of Moscow University (1897–1900), Konstantin Juon and Ivan Dudin School of Painting and Drawing (1900–01) and under Abram Arkhipov, Konstantin Korovin, Valentin Serov and Alexei Stepanov at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture (1901–06). Awarded minor silver medals (1904, 1906) and the title of non-class artist (1909). Studied etching at Elizaveta Kruglikova’s studio in Paris (1908–09). Returned to Moscow (1909) and opened his own etching studio (early 1910s). Founding member of the Moscow Salon (1911–21), member of the Union of Artists (1932). Taught etching at the Konstantin Juon and Ivan Dudin School of Painting and Drawing (1914–18), Moscow University (1921–36), Andrei Bubnov Pedagogical Institute (1933–34) and the Vasily Surikov Institute of Art in Moscow (1935–58). Died suddenly after catching cold in Moscow and buried at the Vagankovo Cemetery (1958). Contributed to exhibitions (from 1907), including the Fellowship of Independents, Moscow Salon and All Creatures Great and Small: Russian Animal Art (18th to 21st Centuries) at the Russian Museum in St Petersburg (2004).