Artist's model and cat (1868), by Fyodor Bronnikov

Fyodor Bronnikov (1827-1902) was a Russian painter known for his contributions to the art world in the 19th century. He was born in St Petersburg, Russia, into a family of artists. Bronnikov first studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St Petersburg, where he was influenced by the academic style of the time. Bronnikov gained recognition for his history and genre paintings, often depicting scenes from Russian history and folklore. His works often featured vivid colours and a romanticised depiction of the past, capturing the spirit of the times. One of his most notable paintings is The Prisoner of Chillon, inspired by Lord Byron's poem. In addition to his historical and genre paintings, Bronnikov also illustrated books and magazines, demonstrating his talent for graphic art. He collaborated with various authors, contributing illustrations that complemented their literary works. Fyodor Bronnikov's art reflected the romantic and historical themes popular in 19th century Russian painting. Although he is not as well known internationally as some of his contemporaries, his work remains significant in the context of Russian artistic developments during this period.