Six portraits displayed at the Imperial Academy of Arts in 1770 established the professional reputation of Dmitry Levitzky. His technical skill during this exhibition included a notable depiction of the architect Alexander Kokorinov. This breakthrough propelled his career within the Russian Empire, securing his status as a prominent portraitist during the late eighteenth century.
Early Training and Influences
Born in 1735 within the Cossack Hetmanate in Kyiv, Levitzky received his initial artistic instruction from his father, Grigory Kirillovich Levitsky, a priest who practiced engraving and amateur painting. By 1758, he moved to Saint Petersburg to continue his development. He became a pupil of Aleksey Antropov, who had previously traveled to Kyiv to execute decorative work at the Cathedral of St Andrew. During his education, he also studied under Giuseppe Valeriani.
Academic Career and Appointments
After establishing himself as a freelance artist in 1764, Levitzky gained formal recognition from the Imperial Academy of Arts. Following the successful 1770 exhibition, the institution named him an academician and appointed him professor of the portrait painting class. He held this teaching position for eighteen years, stepping down in 1788. He later returned to the Academy in 1807.
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Between 1772 and 1776, Levitzky executed a major series of paintings commissioned by Catherine II. These works depicted students of the Smolny Institute for Young Ladies in Saint Petersburg. The canvases featured the pupils engaged in various activities, including musical performances, plays, and dance.
Final Years
The artist experienced declining eyesight toward the end of the 1790s, which significantly curtailed his ability to paint. He lived in Saint Petersburg until his death on 16 April 1822. His final resting place is the Smolenskoye Orthodox Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1735, Kyiv
- Died: 16 April 1822, Saint Petersburg
- Nationality: Cossack Hetmanate
- Citizenship: Russian Empire
- Primary Occupation: Painter
- Education: Imperial Academy of Arts
- Burial Site: Smolenskoye Orthodox Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Who were the primary influences on Levitzky's early career?
His father, Grigory Kirillovich Levitsky, provided his first training. Later, he studied under Aleksey Antropov and Giuseppe Valeriani.
What event marked his rise to fame?
The exhibition of six portraits at the Imperial Academy of Arts in 1770, which included a portrait of Alexander Kokorinov.
When did Levitzky stop painting?
He painted rarely after the late 1790s due to failing eyesight.
