Konstantin Somov

Konstantin Somov, born on November 30, 1869, was a distinguished Russian painter and draughtsman who made significant contributions during the Modernist period. He is best remembered as a co-founding member of the Mir iskusstva society, a collective that played a pivotal role in the evolution of Russian art.

Following the upheaval of the Russian Revolution, Somov emigrated to Paris, joining a cadre of prominent Russian artists seeking new beginnings in the West. His artistic journey was marked by a unique blend of influences and a commitment to his craft, which included illustration, watercolor, and printmaking.

In his personal life, Somov shared a long-term relationship with his younger male companion, Methodiy Lukyanov. He also had a complex and ambiguous relationship with a young boxer named Boris Snezhkovsky, whom he depicted in numerous works, showcasing the depth of his artistic exploration.

In the 21st century, Somov's artworks have achieved remarkable financial success, with some pieces selling for millions of dollars. Notably, his painting The Rainbow fetched three million seven hundred sixteen thousand British pounds at a Christie's auction in London in 2007, setting a record for Russian art.