ZAITSEV Nikolay Semenovich

November 12, 1885 (Moscow) — July 19, 1938 (Moscow)

Painter, graphic artist

Zaitsev studied at Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture under A. M. Vasnetsov; in 1912 he graduated from the School with the title of the painter. Zaitsev lived in Moscow, painted landscapes and still lifes, created decorative panels. He travelled a lot around Russia.

Since 1906 Zaitsev participated in exhibitions. He was a member and exhibitor of the society Moscow Salon (1912–1917), the Union of Russian Artists (since 1912, in 1921–1922 — member of the Committee), the Association of realist painters (in 1926, the chairman). He also participated in exhibitions of Moscow Society of Art Lovers (1906, 1908), Vyatka Art Circle (1911–1912), the 2nd state exhibition of paintings, the 2nd state exhibition of Moscow storage of modern art, (both — 1919), the exhibition of the Association of the artists of Revolutionary Russia (AKhRR, 1926), the Association Art for the socialist construction (1932) and others.

Zaitsev was a member of the 1st state commune of artists Eos (1918–1919). He participated in the decoration of Moscow squares and streets for the revolutionary holidays. Zaitsev taught at the art studio for workers and secondary schools (1910–1914, 1920–1924). In 1920s–1930s he worked in the publishing house Izogiz (Fine Arts).

In 1910s Zaitsev was interested in symbolism; his early works were characterized by sonority of color, decorative expressiveness of line and color (Flowers, 1911; Porcelain, 1913). Later he worked in the traditions of realistic art.

Works by Nikolay Zaitsev are in many museum collections, including the State Tretyakov Gallery, Astrakhan State Picture Gallery named after P. M. Dogadin, Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum and others.