Moller Fyodor Antonovich (Otto Friedrich Theodor)

May 30, 1812 (Kronstadt) - July 21, 1874 (St. Petersburg)

Painter, graphic artist

born in the family of Admiral and Minister of Marine AV Moller. In 1817, enlisted in the Marine Cadet Corps in St. Petersburg. In 1826, released with the rank of warrant officer, served in the Navy and the Army. From 1828 as volnoprihodyaschego student attended drawing classes IAH. In 1830-1831 participated in the Polish campaign. In 1832, the first time participated in the academic exhibition, presenting the picture of the "Battle of Ostrołęka", which was acquired by Tsar Nicholas I. In 1834, for excellence in the figure awarded a small silver medal. In 1835 he retired, wishing to devote himself entirely to art. In the same year for a picture of a given program "Alceste, Hercules freed from the realm of shadows" is marked by a small gold medal.

Since April 1837 began to study with K. Briullov in the class of historical painting. In the same year for the painting "Family Portrait" was awarded a large gold medal and is recognized as "designated" in academics. In 1838, at his own expense went to Rome. In 1840 sent to the next academic exhibition in St. Petersburg made in Italy painting "Mermaid," "Bride, think about the wedding ring" and "Kiss". Last work was a resounding success. Moller has been awarded him the title of academician and received a pension for two years from the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty. The painting itself was purchased by Nicholas I «for their own apartments. Subsequently, the composition several times repeated and varied by Moller, copied by other artists, reproduced in the engraving.

In 1842-1843 the artist was in St. Petersburg, in 1844-1845 - in Naples and Florence, from the beginning of 1846 - in Rome. In the summer of that year he returned to Russia. In 1847, again went to Rome. In 1848 went to Vienna with the request of the Austrian Kaiser. In November 1848 in connection with the death of his father arrived in St. Petersburg. Autumn 1849 received permission to go to Rome to complete the great songs he had begun "John the Evangelist, preaching on the island of Patmos during the bacchanalian." In 1856, the picture presented to the Board of IAH, was honored for her the title of professor of historical painting. In addition, by order of Alexander II, the artist was granted Vladimir Cross II degree and a cash reward of 10 000 rubles.

In 1856-1860 he taught at the Drawing School of the Society to promote artists who until 1861 directed the retirees of the Company. In 1860, again visited Italy. The winter months from 1861 until 1866 held in Berlin, where he worked on a picturesque cycle dedicated to Alexander Nevsky, for the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow. The last years of his life in his estate in the town on the island of Saaremaa Island Saal.

Retrospective Exhibition creativity Moller passed in 1923 in Tallinn, 1987 - on the island of Saaremaa.

Moller - one of the leading representatives of the academic direction of Russian art in the middle of XIX century. In his work at different periods was influenced Briullov, F. Overbeck and artists nazareytsev. Art historian Alexander Benois considered it rather an amateur than a professional artist, noting that "Moller famous painting (" Kiss ». - Notes. Avt. ), under which he could subscribe Bryullov in his best time ... »

master's career is represented in many museum collections, including the State Russian Museum, State Tretyakov Gallery, the Estonian State Art Museum, the Pushkin Museum im. Pushkin and others.