Maksim Vorobyov (painter)

Maksim Nikiforovich Vorobyov (Russian: Максим Никифорович Воробьёв; 17 August [O.S. 6 August] 1769 – 11 September [O.S. 30 August] 1855) was a prominent Russian landscape painter, art educator, and Professor Emeritus of the Imperial Academy of Arts. He is considered one of the founders of Russian realistic landscape painting.

Vorobyov was born in Pskov Governorate to a soldier's family. He entered the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg in 1785, studying under Semyon Shchedrin and Robert Vorobiov (no relation). He graduated in 1797 with a gold medal for his painting "View of a Large Stone Bridge."

Vorobyov spent much of his career teaching at the Imperial Academy, where he held various positions including Professor of Landscape Painting and Head of the Academy's landscape painting workshop. He was known for his innovative teaching methods, emphasizing plein air painting and direct observation of nature. His students included prominent artists such as Ivan Aivazovsky, Alexei Bogolyubov, and Mikhail Lebedev.

Vorobyov's own artistic output encompassed a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, cityscapes, and battle scenes. He is particularly remembered for his depictions of Saint Petersburg, as well as scenes from his travels in Russia and abroad. His works are characterized by their realistic detail, atmospheric effects, and dramatic lighting.

He participated in several expeditions, including a trip to the Middle East in 1820-1821, which heavily influenced his art. He was an academician (1814) and professor (1823) at the Imperial Academy of Arts.

Vorobyov died in Saint Petersburg and is buried in the Volkovo Cemetery. His legacy lies in his contribution to the development of Russian landscape painting and his influence on generations of Russian artists.