KOTARBINSKY Vasily (Wilhelm) Alexandrovich

November 30, 1849 (Neborov, Warsaw province) — September 4, 1921 (Kiev)

Painter, graphic artist

Vasily Kotarbinsky was born to a noble family; he was a cousin of the artist Milosh Kotarbinsky. He studied in Warsaw gymnasium in 1867–1871. At the same time he attended classes of drawing under Warsaw Society of Fine Arts. In 1868 Kotarbinsky went to Rome at the Society’s expense. He studied at the Saint Luke Academy in 1872–1875 under the guidance of D. Podesti (at his own expense).

Till 1887 Kotarbinsky lived in Rome. He painted portraits, historical, mythological and evangelical scenes in the manner of late (salon) academism; he was also engaged in monumental painting. In 1875 Kotarbinsky founded his own studio, where he gave lessons in painting and drawing. In Rome he was on friendly terms with the artists P. A. and A. A. Svedomskys In 1887 Kotarbinsky went to Kiev on P. A. Svedomsky’s invitation in order to participate in wall painting of the St. Vladimir Cathedral (1887–1895). He created wall paintings in private houses of Kiev, including the orders by I. N. Tereshchenko and B. I. Khanenko. The artist also painted composition with religious scenes for churches in Byelorussia.

In 1905 Kotarbinsky was conferred a title of academician at the Imperial Academy of Arts (IAKh). Kotarbinsky took part in the exhibitions of the Warsaw Society of Fine Arts (Zakhenta, 1879–1909), the Moscow Society of Art Lovers (1881–1882), the exhibitions in the IAKh (1885–1904, with intervals). Kotarbinsky was a member and exhibitor of Kiev Society of Art Exhibitions (1887–1900). After the October revolution, the artist did not take part in exhibitions, except the charity exhibition of paintings, sketches and studies for Kiev students in 1918.

Kotarbinsky was buried in the Baykovoye cemetery in Kiev.

Works by Vasily Kotarbinsky are in many museum collections, including the State Tretyakov Gallery, the State Russian Museum, Kiev Museum of Russian Art and others.