Zarubin Viktor - Ukrainian artist, graphic artist and academician

Viktor Ivanovich Zarubin (1866–1928) holds a special place in the world of Ukrainian art. This outstanding Ukrainian artist was not only a master of landscape, but also a talented graphic artist, stage designer, and an academician of the Imperial Academy of Arts. His work, imbued with a deep understanding of nature and a striving for harmony, remains significant in the history of painting and graphic arts.

Early Years and the Formation of a Ukrainian Artist

Viktor Zarubin was born in 1866 in Kharkiv, to a professor's family. His path to art was not straightforward: he first received a fundamental education, graduating from the First Kharkiv Gymnasium in 1885, and then — the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at Kharkiv University. For some time, he even worked as an official for special assignments in the Kharkiv Treasury Chamber. However, his true calling prevailed.

In 1893, Viktor Zarubin traveled to Paris, where for three years he honed his skills at the renowned Académie Julian under the guidance of distinguished professors such as Jules Lefebvre and Robert-Fleury. Already in 1896, his talent received its first recognition: the painting "From the Nature of Normandy" was exhibited.

St. Petersburg Period and Academic Recognition

In the autumn of 1896, the artist moved to St. Petersburg, where he continued his studies at the Higher Art School at the Imperial Academy of Arts. Here, his mentor became the legendary Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi, whose influence can be seen in Zarubin's subsequent landscape works.

The year 1898 brought Viktor Zarubin the title of first-degree artist for his paintings "House of God" and "Evening Accord." From 1897, he actively participated in the annual and spring exhibitions of the Academy of Arts, confirming his status as one of the leading artists of his time. In 1909, his achievements were recognized with the title of academician, marking the culmination of his academic career.

In addition to his active creative work, Zarubin taught at the art school at the Society for the Encouragement of Arts (1905–1906) and served as secretary of this society (1906–1917).

Creative Work in the Soviet Era and Legacy

During the Soviet era, Viktor Zarubin continued his active work, adapting to the new realities. He was involved in designing revolutionary holidays, organizing exhibitions of Leningrad artists, and illustrating children's books for the "Rainbow" publishing house.

The artist was a member and exhibitor of many significant associations:

• Society of Traveling Art Exhibitions (TPHV) (from 1916, exhibitor from 1915)
• Society of Watercolorists
• Community of Artists (1921)
• Arkhip Kuindzhi Society of Artists (1926–1928, co-founder)

His works were exhibited at landmark exhibitions, including the 1st State Free Exhibition of Artworks (1919) and anniversary exhibitions of theatrical and decorative art (1927) in Leningrad.

Viktor Ivanovich Zarubin passed away in 1928 and was buried in the Smolensk Orthodox Cemetery in Leningrad. His paintings are preserved in the collections of leading museums in Ukraine (including the Odesa Art Museum, as well as museums in Kyiv, Mykolaiv), Latvia (Riga), and Uzbekistan (Tashkent), which confirms his significance for art.

Viktor Zarubin's paintings are an embodiment of a subtle sense of nature and deep emotional states. He masterfully conveyed the play of light and shadow, creating atmospheric and memorable images. His contribution to the development of the Ukrainian school of painting is immense, and his multifaceted talent manifested itself in various fields of art — from easel painting to stage design and book illustration.