Sergey Malyutin

Sergey Malyutin
Сергей Малютин
Self-portrait (1918)
Born	Sergey Vasilyevich Malyutin (1859-10-04)October 4, 1859 Moscow, Russian Empire
Died	December 6, 1937(1937-12-06) (aged 78) Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Known for	Painting, architecture
Notable work	Matryoshka doll
Movement	Arts and Crafts

Sergey Vasilyevich Malyutin (1859–1937) was a Russian artist, architect, and illustrator known for his contributions to painting, applied arts, and set design. He is especially famous for creating the first design for the matryoshka doll in collaboration with woodturner Vasily Zvyozdochkin in 1890.

Life

Early life and education

Born in Moscow into a merchant family, Malyutin moved to Voronezh as a child. He was inspired to pursue art after attending an exhibition by the Peredvizhniki (Wanderers). From 1883 to 1886, he studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture under prominent teachers like Illarion Pryanishnikov and Vladimir Makovsky. He graduated with a silver medal and was recognized as a "Free Artist" in 1890.

Career highlights

• Illustration and folk art: Malyutin worked as an illustrator for Russian folktales and the works of Alexander Pushkin. His style combined traditional Russian motifs with modern techniques, reflecting his deep appreciation for folklore.
• Set design: He designed sets for operas and ballets at the Private Opera of Savva Mamontov, including productions like The Nutcracker at the Mariinsky Theater.
• Architectural work: In the early 1900s, Malyutin joined the Talashkino art colony, where he designed the famous "Teremok" building and worked on religious and folk-inspired architectural projects. He also contributed to the construction of the Pertsov House in Moscow, an example of the Russian Revival style.
• Teaching and later work: Malyutin taught at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture from 1903 to 1917. After the 1917 Revolution, he was involved in creating propaganda posters, known as ROSTA Windows, and co-founded the Association of Artists of Revolutionary Russia in 1922.

Famous works

• Matryoshka Dolls: Malyutin painted the first design, which depicted a peasant woman holding a black rooster, nested with smaller figures inside.
• Portraits: His works include the Portrait of Dmitry Furmanov (1922).
• Architecture: The "Teremok" building and the Church of the Holy Spirit in Talashkino are notable examples of his designs blending folk and modern aesthetics.

Legacy

Malyutin’s influence extends across multiple disciplines, including fine art, architecture, and folk crafts. His work remains celebrated for its role in shaping Russian cultural identity during a transformative period.