Nikolai Konstantin Kalmakoff
Russian, 1873 - 1955
IMAGE GALLERY
7 pictures
Click image to learn more about each picture, or send as a free e-card
BIOGRAPHY
Of Russian and Italian parentage, Kalmakoff spent his childhood in Italy where he also briefly studied painting. In 1903, he rejoined his family in Russia and became involved in Diaghilev's Mir Iskusstva (World of Art). He designed numerous theatre sets; his 1908 design for Oscar Wilde's Salome was censored for its overt sexuality. In 1920 Kalmakoff travelled to Helsinki, Brussels and southern France, finally settling in Paris circa 1924, where he is said to have become actively involved in occult rituals. After the failure of a 1928 exhibition of his work, Kalmakoff became a recluse. He was taken into a hospital for indigents in Chelles and stopped painting in 1947. An exhibition of his works was held in 1970 at Hartnoll and Eyre, London.
(Source: 'Symbolism, Art Nouveau and Art Deco', Sothebys New York, June 1980 (exhibition catalogue)).
-------
Kalmakoff's forename is also translated as 'Nicolas' / 'Nicholas' / 'Nicolai'. His surname is also listed as 'de Kalmakoff'.
Interest in Kalmakoff has increased in recent years with more of his paintings being offered at auction, for example:
June 2003: 'Leda and the Swan'
May 2003: 'Gateway to Dreams'
December 2002: 'The Crowned Dancer'
May 2002: 'Salome and John the Baptist'
November 2001: 'Boccale'
October 2000: 'The storyteller in the harem'
January 2000: 'Market Scene in Northern Africa'
February 1999: 'The Triumph of Joan of Arc'
-------
Literature:
- Kalmakoff, l'Ange de l'Abîme, 1873-1955, et les peintres du Mir Iskousstva
- Nicolas Kalmakoff. 1875-1958
A selection of art exhibitions which have featured this
artist's work:
No messages have been posted about this artist. Post a new message (requires login).