Vasily Nikitich Kuchumov was born in Yaroslavl Governorate in 1888. As a child, the future artist became interested in Russian history, especially the era of Peter the Great.

From 1910 to 1916 he studied at the Higher Art School at the Imperial Academy of Arts under the Peredvizhnik painter and graphic artist Vladimir Makovsky. The first years of his studies saw him prove himself as a talented painter. Upon graduation from the Academy of Arts, he received the title of a Painting Artist. His diploma work was the painting “Peter I Examines the Statue of Venus in the Summer Palace”.

In 1911, he received the second prize of the Academy for his sketch “Salome Brings the Head of John the Baptist”.

After graduating from the school, Vasily Kuchumov participated in various Russian exhibitions.

The artist was passionate about the work of the art association “Mir Iskusstva” and their philosophical and aesthetic views.

The artist often turned to the historical genre in his work. He was interested in the traditions of St. Petersburg, the culture of Russian life, the interiors of merchant and noble houses.

The exhibition of the Alexander Grigoriev Art and History Museum presents his work entitled “Pavlovsk Grand Palace. Tapestry Room”. Vasily Kuchumov depicted the ceremonial interior of the palace room on the canvas.

The artist painted in minute detail the bright colors of the tapestry, the crystal chandelier and the luxurious furniture. The painting has historical value, as it portrays in detail a part of the interior of the Pavlovsk Palace, which is important for restorers.

Kuchumov’s art was versatile. He created many landscapes and still lifes, took frequent and long trips around Russia.

Most of Kuchumov’s career was connected with his native city of St. Petersburg and, later, Leningrad. That is where he lived during the war years.

During the blockade of Leningrad, the artist was a documentarian. His paintings of this period depicted ruins and human figures lying in the snow. The artist mainly used gradations of gray tones in these works.

Vasily Kuchumov passed away in 1959. His paintings are still in demand today and are of great interest to collectors and museums.