Iakovlev, Mikhail Nikolaevich

Mikhail Nikolaevich Iakovlev began his artistic studies at the Moscow Stroganov School for Technical Drawing but he did not complete a degree. Two years later, he applied to the Penza Art School and studied under the guidance of Konstantin Apollonovich Savitskii, a Russian realist painter and a leader of the peredvizhniki (wanderers) art movement. Leaving Penza, Iakovlev enrolled in the art school of Princess Maria Klavdievna Tenisheva in St. Petersburg where he studied under the renowned Russian master, Il’ia Repin, and although Repin left the school, Iakovlev and his classmates organized their own studio where they continued to develop their skills. From 1905 to 1906, the artist illustrated for the satirical magazines Maski (Masks), Zriteli (Spectator) and Shersheni (Hornet).

Mikhail Iakovlev also worked in theatrical design at the Krivoe Zerkaloa (Crooked Mirror), a leading St. Petersburg cabaret-style theater that was ultimately closed by the Soviets. It was at the Crooked Mirror where Iakovlev’s talent was noticed by the Russian Impressionist painter Konstantin Korovin who invited him to work at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.

In St. Petersburg in 1908, Iakovlev took part in the exhibition of the Venok (Wreath) youth association. He joined the Union of Russian Artists in 1911 and became a regular participant in their exhibitions. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Iakovlev was appointed a member of the Department for Museums and Protection of Monuments of Art and Antiquities under the People's Commissariat of Education. During this period, he also was a member of the Izograf consortium of Moscow artists.

Due to failing health, Iakovlev emigrated to Leipzig, Germany for treatment. He later moved to Munich, and then to Paris. In Europe, Iakovlev held solo exhibitions in Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels and Liege. In 1926 he participated in the Paris exhibition of the Salon des Indépendants, Society of Independent Artists. In 1937, he exhibited at the Soviet Embassy in Paris.

Returning to Moscow in 1937, Mikhail Iakovlev continued to work in the Soviet art world. In March 1941 in Moscow, he held what would be his final in-person solo exhibition. During World War II, the artist was evacuated to Tbilisi, Georgian SSR where he died. In May 1942, a posthumous exhibition of his work was held at the State Art Gallery of the Georgian SSR.