Place: Petrozavodsk
Born: 1874
Death: 1971
Biography:
Sergey Konenkov, also known as Sergey Timofeevitch Konenkov, was a renowned Russian sculptor born in Petrozavodsk, Russia in 1874. He was often referred to as the 'Russian Rodin' due to his significant contributions to the world of sculpture. Konenkov's artistic journey began at the Imperial Academy of Arts, where he studied from 1892 to 1899. However, his innovative and unique style was not well-received by the academy and art critics at the time. Despite this, Konenkov gained the attention and admiration of many private collectors and patrons, including the famous maecenas Savva Mamontov. In 1900, Konenkov moved to Paris, where he was heavily influenced by the works of Auguste Rodin. He returned to Russia in 1906 and became a prominent figure in the Russian Art Nouveau movement. Konenkov's works often depicted themes from Russian folklore and mythology, and he was known for his mastery of monumental sculpture. He passed away in 1971, leaving behind a rich legacy of sculptural works that continue to inspire artists today.