Albert Nikolaevich BENUA 1852 — 1936Альберт Миколайович БЕНУА • Альберт Николаевич БЕНУАAlbert Nikolaevich Benua (Benois) was born in St. Petersburg in 1852. An older son of a well known architect Nikolai Leontievich Benua. Received good artistic schooling at home. Studied architecture at the Imperial Academy of Art. In 1877 received the title of artist-architect of the first degree. Studied watercolor in the studio of L. Premazzi. During 1883-1885 received a scholarship from the Imperial Academy and visited Italy, Spain and France. Traveled a lot in 1890-1910 to Caucasus, down the Volga river, Northern Africa, Mediterranean, Siberia, Manjuria, China, Japan and Korea. Created a great series of St. Petersburg landscapes and cityscapes. Exhibited on a regular basis with watercolorists since 1874 Personal exhibitions in St. Petersburg in 1903, 1909 and 1915; Kyiv in 1904, 1909. In 1880 founded the Russian watercolorists society, of which he was the head until 1897. In 1884 received the title of academician. In 1895 became the custodian of the Russian museum. In 1920 was a part of Northern expedition of the Petrograd Geological Institute. In 1923 the artist participated in the first free exhibition of art in Petrograd. Also held two personal exhibitions at the House of Art in 1920-1921. In 1924, following his daughter moved to Paris. Exhibited in Paris four times during 1928-1931. Albert Benua died in the suburb of Paris in 1936. |
