MAKOVSKY Nikolay Egorovich

April 28, 1841 (Moscow) — October 6, 1886 (St. Petersburg)

Painter, graphic artist

Nikolay Makovsky was born in Moscow, to the family of E. I. Makovsky who was an artist-amateur, collector of art, public figure, one of the founders of Moscow School of painting, sculpture and architecture (MUZhVZ), younger brother of the artists Alexandra and Konstantin Makovsky, elder brother of the artist Vladimir Makovsky.

He began to study painting and drawing under the guidance of his father. Makovsky studied at the Palace School of Architecture. In 1859 Makovsky entered the faculty of architecture at the Imperial Academy of Arts (IAKh). In 1862–1863 he took part in the exhibitions of the Academy. In 1865 Makovsky was awarded small silver medal for the design of stone village church. In 1866 Makovsky graduated from the Academy of Arts with the title of non-class (free) architectural artist.

He served as an assistant of architect at the Ministry of the Imperial Court. However in early 1870s the artist left architecture and began to work as a painter. In 1872 Makovsky participated in the Academy exhibition; he was conferred title of class artist of the 3rd degree for his paintings. In 1873 he was conferred title of class artist of the 2nd degree for his painting View of Moscow.

In 1870 Makovsky became one of the founding members of the Society of Travelling Art Exhibitions (TPKhV); he showed his works at the exhibitions of the Society from 1875 till 1886 (with intervals). Several paintings from the exhibition of the TPKhV were bought by the collector P. M. Tretyakov. In 1881–1886 (with intervals), the painter took part in the exhibitions of Moscow Society of Art Lovers; in 1885 he showed his works at the exhibition of the Society of Russian Watercolorists (ORA).

In 1873–1874 Makovsky made a trip to Egypt; he travelled a lot through Russia, Ukraine, and visited the Volga River.

In 1997 works by Nikolay Makovsky were shown at the exhibition Family Makovsky at the State Tretyakov Gallery.

Paintings and drawings by the artist are not well-known to public, because of great fame of his brothers — Konstantin and Vladimir, and because of not very big artistic legacy. Nikolay Makovsky led an active artistic life during only 15 years, however he is considered as one of the most interesting landscape-painters of that period. His works are characterized by detailed drawing, well-made composition and rich colour-grade. Views of Moscow, the Kremlin and localities near Moscow brought fame to the painter.

Works by Nikolay Makovsky are in many private and museum collections, including the State Tretyakov Gallery, and Yaroslavl Art Museum.