Biography

Russian painter. He was the son of the caretaker at the Imperial Academy of Arts, where he was admitted in 1764. In 1767, he took a class in ornamental sculpture and later studied scenic painting with Antonio Peresinotti (1708-1778). From 1773 to 1777, he lived in Venice on a fellowship, where he studied to be a theatre artist. This did not appeal to him, however, and he spent much of his time painting landscapes and copying the old masters.

Having incurred the displeasure of the authorities at the Academy, when he returned he was put to work in the Theater Decoration School until 1786 and was not allowed to continue his academic studies. Undaunted, he continued to paint what he pleased and slowly won some recognition. In 1794, his View of the Palace Embankment from the Fortress earned him the title of Academician.

In 1800, Tsar Paul I assigned him to create vedute of the streets and architecture in Moscow. From 1803, he taught at the Academy, but also travelled extensively. In 1810, he produced a series of works depicting St. Petersburg.

In his later years, his fame steadily declined and he died in poverty, leaving a large family behind.