Alexander Mikhailovich Opekushin

Place: Svechkino

Born: 1838

Death: 1923

Biography:

Alexander Mikhailovich Opekushin was a Russian sculptor known primarily for his monumental works. He was born on the estates of E.V. Olkhin, a major landowner. His father, a serf who made regular visits to Saint Petersburg, obtained permission from Olkhin for Alexander to attend drawing classes at the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts. He graduated in two years instead of three and was taken into the studios of sculptor David Jensen. To complete his studies at the Imperial Academy of Arts, he had to purchase his freedom for 500 Rubles and was legally freed in 1859. Two years later, he married Evdokia Ivanovna Guskina, the daughter of a state serf. At the Academy, he continued his studies with Jensen. In 1862, he received his first award: a small silver medal for a bas-relief on a Biblical theme. His talent was noticed by artist Mikhail Mikeshin, who invited him to participate in completing his monument, 'Millennium of Russia'. The Academy awarded him the title of 'Artist' and later 'Academician'. He collaborated with Mikhaïl Mikéchine and decorated several palaces and hotels in the imperial capital. His most famous work is a bronze statue of Pushkin inaugurated on June 6, 1880.