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Artist V.N. Zabelin was one of the preeminent artists and teachers in Russia in the end of 20th Century. He was Igor Babailov's last teacher of Painting at the Surikov Academy. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Teacher~Student Lineage Vyacheslav Nikolaevich Zabelin (1935 - 2001) He was my last Professor of Painting and one of the preeminent artists of the late 20th century with whom I was fortunate to study. ~ Igor V. Babailov Vyacheslav Nikolaevich Zabelin was born in 1935 in Khamovniki, an old region of Moscow. Zabelin recounts his childhood as having “passed by during the years when my country was engaged in a heroic war against fascist Germany”. After the war, in the late 1940’s, he had the opportunity to work in the studio of M.A. Slanov. One day as he was working in the studio, the famous artist Konstantin Yuon ( student of Valentin Serov and Konstantin Korovin ) came to visit. Yuon took notice of Zabelin’s work which resulted in Zabelin’s acceptance to the “1905” Moscow Art School in 1956. His studies here continued until 1961 when he enrolled in the Surikov Institute. Zabelin spent the next six years at the Surikov, obtaining his diploma and continuing on to get his post-graduate degree. Yuon would continue to help direct Zabelin along his educational path as well as inspire his work. Like most Russian artists, Zabelin was strongly influenced by the Russian world around him. He said “I was born and grew up in Moscow…the old streets, the hidden quirks of this place, the Novodevichii Monastery, made me into an artist. These are my native areas, my small homeland”. His most favorite place to paint was in the Old Russian city of Rostov, from where a large majority of his paintings originate. He loved Russian architecture because of its wonderful asymmetry that could have been so easily balanced by some small window or arch on its façade (N.N. Vizzhilin). Zabelin said “We live in a time when historical cities and environs are losing their individuality and there is no end in sight to this process.” This realization brought great sadness to the artist as he so highly valued his Russian homeland and the beauty its historic structures and landscape possessed. Zabelin felt much the same way about the patterns he saw emerging in the art being created around him. In 1967 Vyacheaslav Zabelin was invited to teach at the Surikov Institute which he graciously accepted. About his teaching approach he once said “In my pedagogical work, I have attempted to help facilitate my students to find their own voice and for them to understand their souls, and help those souls create, in an unrepeatable language.” This was, he felt, one of the most important lessons that his students could learn. It was his belief that “individuality in art…is often understood to be a necessity to produce works reflecting the anger of our time, satisfying the fleeting whims of the public”, which of course he felt certain would not stand the test of time. Zabelin was a major supporter of artistic education and training that was deeply rooted in tradition and achievement. He was not fond of “amateur” or “homegrown”art. He felt that "when a school of training was not present, it was often replaced with “a self-sufficient manner and attempt to pander to the public and draw the attention of amateurs by superficial tricks, which are always used to hide incompetence.” V.N. Zabelin’s close personal friend, the famous journalist N.N. Vizzhilin, wrote of comments made at the opening of an exhibit of works by Zabelin’s students, that “In the process of teaching, Zabelin motivates his students to master not his way of painting, not his view of things or his method, but the principles of art. ” The artist and teacher himself said “Really, if one perceives life from the position of creative work, from the position of a search for the truth, if we perceive it, not putting all the schemes and dogmas into the bed of Procrustes, then life will open up before us in every way more unexpected, fresher, and interesting.” One of his student’s, Svetlana Smirnova, recalls Zabelin teaching her that “composition is of the utmost importance” and that it “is necessary to work on it all the time.” Vyacheslav followed this very principle in his own work. His friend Vizzhilin also remembers that “Before beginning any painting, he would carefully study the nature, consider the composition, [and] select the lighting. Because of this, he lived weeks on end in other cities, barely noticing the lack of physical comforts there.” Vyacheslav Nikolaivich Zabelin was a member of the Moscow River School of painters. He taught at the Surikov until his death in October of 2001. His friend, and journalist Vizzhilin later wrote “The things that made V.N. Zabelin stand out as a central figure in the Russian arts were his wholehearted search for aesthetic sense; his deep knowledge of Russian painting and literature; and his delicate understanding of the interdependence and inevitability of the changing of artistic styles, the richness of which is ever apparent in Russian culture.” He says also that the very essence of Zabelin’s work is that it “rose up from the traditions of Russian art and [had] its roots in the deepest strata of Russian life.” Zabelin has been called the greatest Russian artists of the last quarter of the 20th Century. Artist’s Thoughts: “I was born and grew up in Moscow…the old streets, the hidden quirks of this place, the Novodevichii Monastery, made me into an artist. These are my native areas, my small homeland” “We live in a time when historical cities and environs are losing their individuality and there is no end in sight to this process.” “In my pedagogical work, I have attempted to help facilitate my students to find their own voice and for them to understand their souls, and help those souls create, in an unrepeatable language.” “Individuality in art…is often understood to be a necessity to produce works reflecting the anger of our time, satisfying the fleeting whims of the public.” “When a school of training is not present, it is often replaced with a self-sufficient manner and attempt to pander to the public and draw the attention of amateurs by superficial tricks, which are always used to hide incompetence.” Awards: (partial list) • Member of the Artist’s Union of the U.S.S.R. • Head of the Moscow painting section of the Moscow Union of Artists • Chairperson of the committee on the Protection of Monuments in the Union of Artists of Russia • Member of the City Building Council • Award for The Interior of the Annunciation Cathedral as the best work of 1980 in the Moscow Department of Artists’ Union • Diploma awarded for the creation of the paintings that were on display at the VI Republican Art Exhibition “Soviet Russia” dedicated to the XXVI Congress on the CPSU, awarded by the Counsel of Ministers of the Russian Federation, 1981 • Titled Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, by the Artists’ Union of the Russian Federation • Diploma awarded by the Academy of Arts of the USSR for his paintings The Petrovski Boulevard and The Bolshoi Theatre, 1987 • Honoured Worker of Arts of the Russian Federation, 1990 • The Professors Degree, 1991 • Silver Medal of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Art, July 10, 1995 Collections: (partial list) Works shown frequently at Lazare Gallery, Charles City, VA; Walls Gallery, Wilmington, NC; Wallace Fine Art, Longboat Key, Fl; as well as James Yarosh and Assoc., Holmdel, NJ. Zabelin has over 300 paintings in the world’s museums including: Tretyakov Gallery (Museum), Moscow - Spring Evening in Rostov the Great, 1981, 64.5 x 69 cm. - Spring Evening, 1983, 88.5 x 88.5 cm. Russian State Museum, St. Petersburg - Interior, Church of Christ the Savior in Rostov, 1987, 50 x 40 cm. - Interior of Church, Ascension, 1988, 60 x 80 cm. Art Fund - Interior of Christ the Savior Church, 1984, 70 x 50 cm. - Suzdal Grey Day, 1966, 47 x 70 cm. - Interior of Resurrection Church, 1968, 30 x 40 cm. - Clear Field, 1978, 50 x 70 cm. - Home Above the Cellar, Rostov Kremlin, 1980, 60 x 80 cm. The Rostov Kremlin Art Museum [has an enormous memorial hall dedicated completely to his works, including:] - Lilacs, 60 x 50 cm. - In Rostov, 1997, 50 x 70 cm. - Rostov, Washing Yard, 49.7 x 79.7 cm. - Center of Rostov the Great, 1978, 50 x 69.5 cm. - Old Estate, 2000, 50 x 40 cm. - Sunrise/Sunset in Rostov?, 1970, 50 x 70 cm. - Green House, 1999, 41 x 56 cm. - Portrait of Wife, 1972, 89 x 89 cm. - Grey Day, 1997, 60 x 80 cm. - Rostov Beauty, 1968, 72 x 50 cm. - View of Rostov Kremlin, 1969, 49.7 x 70 cm. - View of Inner Yard of Rostov Kremlin, 1969, 49.5 x 70 cm. - Street in Rostov, 1985, 60 x 80 cm. - Pink House, 1991, 50 x 60 cm. Russia Artists’ Union - Interior of Resurection Church in Rostov, 1983, Oil on Canvas, 41 x 55 cm. - Winter, Borisogleb, 1993, Oil on Canvas, 55 x 82 cm. Russian Art Museum, Kiev Picture Gallery Museum, Tver Rjazan Fine Arts Museum, Rjazan Jarosalv Fine Arts Museum, Jaroslav Kaluga Fine Arts Museum, Kaluga Kurjan Fine Arts Museum, Kurjan Taganrog Picture Gallery Museum, Taganrog Orenburg Fine Art Museum, Orenburg Orlov Fina Art Museum, Orlov Kostroma Fine Art Museum, Kostroma Novosibirsk Fine Art Museum, Novosibirsk Nizhnij Novgorod Fine Art Museum, Nizhnij Novgorod Artist Architectural Reserve Museum, Rostov Ekaterinburg Fine Art Museum, Ekaterinburg He has become a favorite of well-known private collectors such as James Yarosh (USA), Larry and Pat Merriman (USA), and Stefano Pirra (Italy). Additional Information: He suggested and organized the All-Russian Art Exhibitions “Monuments of Motherland” which became an important event in the artistic and cultural life of the country. Zabelin has been included in many survey books of Russian art and has had several books published on his work including his first coffee table sized book, with full page color plates, cataloguing all of his known works due out in 2006. List of books that include information about Zabelin: Path of Russian Impressionism 100 Years of Russian Artist Union Published in Moscow 2003 In thy Name Russian Artist Union Published in Moscow 2004 (This book was published commemorating the 2000th birthday of the birth of Christ and primarily promoted Russia’s greatest artist who did religious paintings during the 20th century. It is a major book documenting the artist’s works who displayed at one of the Russian Artist’s Unions greatest shows. The Great Painters Published in Moscow 2001 A Dictionary of Soviet and Russian Painters Active 1900 to 1980 Published in London, 1998 Russian Landscape, Great Collection Published in Moscow 2004 List of known books published on Zabelin: Zabelin By Sokolov Published in Moscow Zabelin Published in Italy 2001 Zabelin Published in Italy 1993 Zabelin Published in Italy 1999 To Be Published in 2006 by the documentary film maker and book publisher Archivos Alba: Zabelin, Master of Color - this is to be a definitive work that will catalog all known works of Zabelin and has many contributors by art historians and artists who knew Zabelin. It will be a coffee table sized book with one plate per page. With Appreciation to Lazare Gallery Igor V. Babailov Direct Teacher~Student Lineage CLICK www.Babailov.com

Educational art articles and interviews, featuring master portrait artist Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Articles & Interviews SELECTED ARTICLES BY AND ABOUT IGOR V. BABAILOV What You Need to Know When Commissioning a Portrait Painting by Igor Babailov The Sacred Gift of Portraiture by Lorraine Ferrier, The Epoch Times "The Resurrection of Realism - Beauty will Save the World" by Igor Babailov - Featured in 'The Epoch Times', and 'Faith & Culture' While a photograph grabs a second of a lifetime, a portrait captures the essence of the individual, artist Igor Babailov tells Lorella Fava.The Times of Malta, Malta "A Portrait of the Artist" "Hunger for Beauty" Mercator interviews Alice Ramos, Ph.D., St. John's University, ( Igor Babailov is featured along with an American sculptor and a German composer) "Reviving the Renaissance; A President With Leadership" Portrait Painter Spearheads Artistic Revolution by Elizabeth Lev, ZENIT, Rome, Italy "Pontiff's aura colors artist's image" by Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, U.S.A. "Portraits de Famille" (in French) by Catherine Cochard, Le Temps Magazine, Switzerland "Painter of the Popes" by Joseph Pearce, National Catholic Register "Italian Influence on Realistic Portraiture" PRIMO magazine, Italian-American magazine, U.S.A. Interview to Polish daily Nasz Dziennik by Beata Falkowska, Nasz Dziennik, Poland Pope Francis Portrait Commissioned to American Master Artist, Igor Babailov, Hon. RAA by BroadwayWorld.com "Why We Must Keep the Traditions Alive" by Igor Babailov ( published in the International Artist Magazine, and featured on the Art Renewal Center website Letter to Artists by Igor Babailov Letter to Children at the Preparatory Art School in Russia by Igor Babailov OTHER RELATED ARTICLES Pablo Picasso's Confession From the interview of Pablo Picasso to Italian author Giovanni Papini in 1952 About Master of Fine Arts Degree (MFA) College Art Association, USA

Portrait of Akira Kurosawa, commissioned to Igor Babailov by Kurosawa Productions, Tokyo, Japan. Exhibited at the Celebrities Art Fair for Steven Spielberg's Starlight-Starbright Children's Foundation, Japan. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Celebrity Portraits Akira Kurosawa Legendary Film Director, Japan Akira Kurosawa (oil on canvas, 30" x 26") by Igor Babailov Commissioned by Kurosawa Productions for Steven Spielberg's Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Japan Exhibited at the World Celebrities Art Fair in Tokyo, Japan Participants of the exhibition included: Jon Bon Jovi, Musician Igor Babailov, Artist Jackie Chan, Actor Gary Cooper, Actor Jerry Garcia, Musician Jeff Goldblum, Actor Summo Hung, Actor Maria Cooper Janis, Artist Arnold Palmer, Golfer Anthony Quinn, Actor Jane Seymour, Actress Igor Babailov in the Exhibition Catalogue WELCOME message by Steven Spielberg OTHER CELEBRITY PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Portrait artist Igor Babailov - Videos, Interviews, TV news, portrait unveilings, portraits in life sittings. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA VIDEOS "The Dancing Pencil of Igor Babailov" A time lapse of a live portrait demonstration by Igor Babailov at Vanderbilt University. Official Portrait of Pope Francis - interview with Igor Babailov Regis Philbin unveils his portrait, painted by Igor Babailov, to millions of his viewers on the national TV. Igor Babailov interviewed by New York Daily News Local Artist in charge of Pope Francis Portrait Igor Babailov - Vatican portrait sitting with the Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Portrait sitting with Mikhail Kalashnikov - Inventor of AK-47 Igor Babailov draws portrait from life - time lapse

Official Portrait of General David H. Petraeus, US Military Commander and CIA Director - West Point Academy portrait by Igor Babailov. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits Gen. David H. Petraeus U.S. Military Commander, CIA Director (Oil on Canvas, 36" x 36") Official Collection: West Point Museum United States Military Academy at West Point, NY "It is not every day that a man sees himself captured by the hand of such artistry. Please know that it was my honor to be the subject of one of your works." ~ David H. Petraeus In preparation for the official portrait painting of General David H. Petraeus General David H. Petraeus Award "For Excellence" Presented to Igor Babailov by General David H. Petraeus, U.S. Military Commander, CIA Director, for the work on his portrait at West Point Academy Museum. OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Portrait comments and reviews. What dustinguished clients are saying about portrait artist Igor Babailov. Client testimonials. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA TESTIMONIALS “Most of us at the age of FOUR could not even spell ‘portrait’, and he already painted one.” Joan Lewis EWTN NEWS, Vatican Bureau Chief ***** ***** "An impressive array of subjects and deft paint handling.” Dr. James H. Billington 13th Librarian of Congress ***** ***** "We will will take a great pride in displaying your work [Portrait of George Washington] for generations to come." James C. Rees Executive Director, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Est ate and Museum, Mount Vernon, VA ********** "Dear Igor, Laura and I send our best wishes. May God bless you." George W. Bush 43rd President of the United States of America **** ****** "I know the President well and this beautiful painting captures his conviction and sincerity." Karen Hughes Personal Advisor to President George W. Bush ********** “Superb portraits. An artist whose work will be studied and admired for years to come.” Steve Forbes ********** “Everyone who has seen my portrait has been very impressed, and my response has always been: “Igor is an artistic genius! And a really good person to boot.” Thanks for this wonderful work!” Samuel A. Alito, Jr Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States ********** ”I am especially indebted to Igor Babailov, a truly gifted artist, who has done a remarkable job on my portrait.” Brian Mulroney 18th Prime Minister of Canada ********** ”When I see this portrait, I see me — not someone else’s conception of me. What a remarkable gift to have had Igor capture me as I see myself.” Clarence Thomas Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States ********** ”This work is inspired ... It touches, so touches my heart!” Pope Francis ********** "Mr. Babailov has an uncanny ability to get inside the souls of the subjects of his paintings, at the same time as he somehow finds a way to capture feature of their eyes or smile or tilt of head, quite startles the onlooker, it appears so real." Michael Novak The Templeton Prize 1994 ********** "This portrait [ Pope Benedict XVI ] is much more than an image, it is a painting of a presence. It catches the Pope’s shyness, physical presence and s trength... one of the best portraits of the Pope I've ever seen!" Archbishop Pietro Sambi Apostolic Nuncio to the United States ********** "Igor Babailov's talent and ability to capture the lik eness of his subjects so precisely, is truly inspirational to us all." Isadore Sharp Founder and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts ********** "We chose you to paint the portrait, because there is no 'formula' in your works, as they each capture individuality." Joan E. Stein-Streilein, Ph.D Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School ********** "Thank you for painting the Pope [ St. John Paul II ] younger in his appearance, because he IS young and strong in his spirit, surrounded by the youth who had followed him, always replying generously to his call for a life of fait h and love. How many experiences, how many feelings reflect the expression of the symbolism which is found in this painting? It is impossible to put them all in words..." Archbishop Luigi Ventura Apostolic Nuncio to Canada ********** "It is not every day that a man sees himself captured by the hand of such artistry. Please know that it was my honor to be the subject of one of your works." General David H. Petraeus U.S. Army Commander, CIA Director ********** Our state is very proud to have outstanding artists like yourself among its resid ents. Governor Bill Haslam The State of Tennessee ********** "I am complimented often on the portrait and its position of prominence in the Courthouse. Of course, it is really a compliment intended for you." Hon. Joseph P. Sullivan Justice, Supreme Court of New York ********** "Thank you again for the wonderful portrait. I was glad to hear that you were able to stop by the office to see the painting on display." Rudolph W. Giuliani Mayor of New York City ********** "Thank you for the wonderful portrait painting!" Hillary R. Clinton U.S. First Lady ********** I was amazed by the likeness and the detail of his work. I am humbled and honored that he used his expertise to create my portrait. He is truly a Master. One of the most famous and gifted artists of our century! Judge Seth W. Norman Drug Court “pioneer” in the U.S., Nashville, TN ***** ***** "Marvelous portraits!" Dr. Henry Kissinger ********** “Seeing my portrait, painted by Igor Babailov, is like looking at myself in the mirror.” Mikhail Kalashnikov Inventor of AK-47 ********** "The best painter I've come across in my lifetime...The Michelangelo of today!" Frank Military Warner Chappell Music, inc. Legendary music publisher and life-time friend of Frank Sinatra ********** Dear Igor, Your beautiful portrait of me has made Maria and me so very happy. It totally captures the romantic feeling of my nature and your amazing talents shine through this and all your portraiture that you do. I especially appreciate your inspiration to bring Chopin into the painting, what better companion could any musician have. In warm friendship and heartfelt thanks, Byron Janis American Pianist ********** "I have known Mr. Babailov since he successfully completed my portrait in oil. Great talent, remarkable personality!" Robert "Bobby" Hull Hockey Legend ********** "Babailov's paintings, particularly his portraits, embrace and strengthen our traditional values and love for life." Senator Michael Pitfield Canada ********** Dear Igor: Heartiest congratulations on this magnificent honor! Your great portrait of the Holy Father [Pope Benedict XVI] is an immortal masterpiece! Warmest best wishes, John Howard Sanden, American Portrait Artist ********** "Igor Babailov has done a very superior job, which has been admired by the whole family and many good friends." Senator and Mrs. Douglas Henry Tennessee ********** “To capture a likeness is an incredible feat, but to capture personality is pure magic. He's an example of how art can unify so many varied peoples separated by such vast distances. I commend him!" Joe Drexler, 9/11 Firefighter (Ret.) F.D.N.Y. ********** "His work is definitely of museum quality. The full-length portrait of our debutante daughter hangs in our salon, next to famous painters of the 17th Century, such as Lucca Giordano, Mattia Preti, Andrea Vaccaro. How fortunate we are to have among us such a wonderfully skilled artist." Ambassador and Mrs. Ramiro Ruggiero Rome, Italy ********** "Thank you for your labor of love! We know God sent you to us." The Rogers family St. Simon's Island, Georgia ********** "I have told many people that my life has been filled with "Forrest Gump" moments. Having my family portraits painted by Maestro Babailov is another one -- perhaps the biggest one!" David Gibbs , Nashville, TN ********** "We will always be grateful for our providential meeting; and for your time and care in getting to know our children, and rendering them in such breathtaking ways." The Eberstadt family , Washington, DC ********** "This inspirational work has greatly impressed me and without a doubt remains outstanding in every way." V. Roger Lalli, Ph.D. Scholar, Renowned artist, Buffalo, NY **********

Family Portraits of WOMEN by Igor Babailov. Full-length portrait of Ann Lemire, oil on canvas. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Family Portraits Ann Lemire Oil on Canvas, 54" x 48" To commission a custom portrait by Mr. Babailov and/or for any questions feel free to CONTACT us. PORTRA ITS of WOMEN by Igor Babailov

Official portrait of Michael Novak, theologian, author, Templeton Prize (1994), the White House adviser, by portrair artist Igor Babailov. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits Michael Novak Frederick Jewett Scholar - the American Enterprise Institute, Author, Theologian, The Templeton Prize recipient 1994, Diplomat, Adviser to the Office of Ethnic Affairs, The White House. Michael Novak (oil on canvas) by Igor Babailov Michael Novak and Margaret Thatcher (left) - The Templeton Prize ceremony, Westminster Abbey, London, 1994 Michael Novak portrait unveiling. Collection: Ave Maria University, Florida VIDEO of the official portrait unveiling Life Study Oil on Canvas Collection: C iocca Center of the Busch School of Business, Catholic University of America Washington, DC Life Sitting With Andreas Widmer, Director of the Art C iocca Center at the Busch School of Business, Catholic University of America OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

An educational article by portrait artist Igor Babailov, featured in PRIMO Magazine, Italian-American magazine, U.S.A. The Latest News…from an Italian-American Perspective PRIMO magazine Italian Influence on Realistic Portraiture by Igor Babailov Portrait Artist Igor Babailov, the only Living Artist in the Vatican Splendors Exhibition, tells PRIMO why Artists Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Pietro Annigoni are his Key Influences. Igor Babailov's painting "For Gold, God and Glory" on the cover of PRIMO magazine. The great Italian contributions in the history of art are immeasurable. On my website www.Babailov.com , there are a number of artists, whose works I recommend to study, and among them are Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696 - 1770) and Pietro Annigoni (1910–1988). These are only two great names out of many fine visual artists of Italy. They represent two different centuries, yet both come from the same educational background in the classical tradition of one of the oldest art schools in the world: the Italian Academy of Art. “La Strega” by Pietro Annigoni “Head of a Young Man in Three-Quarter View Facing Left, Looking Upward,” by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo Given that they lived in different eras, both Tiepolo and Annigoni faced unique challenges. Tiepolo’s challenge at his time was to explore the knowledge of the Masters before him and around him and to apply it to his own beautiful figurative works, which were celebrated by his contemporaries, as the sophisticated appreciation of the skill in art was taught and very much present at the time. Pietro Annigoni, the utmost admirer of the Old Masters, had a very different challenge at the peak of his career in 1950s-70s, being constantly attacked by the “art critics” for painting beauty and emphasizing the importance of the masters’ methods and techniques as prerequisite of skill for any artist. The celebration of Beauty and God’s Creation is the main focus of the traditional school of painting, which requires more than talent, but the skill to produce, and consequently cannot be achieved without the proper education. It has always been at the core of the academic curriculums and the Italian academy has given the world some of the best known names in the history of art, until about the mid 20 th century, when the rich inheritance of the Renaissance Masters suddenly became “debatable” by “art critics who couldn’t draw.” I became familiar with the name Annigoni when I was invited to teach at the Florence Academy of Art, in Italy in 1999. When I discovered more about his life and works, I immediately felt the closeness to this artist, fully relating to his values and ideals. I myself being a contemporary realist artist, like Annigoni, was asked on numerous occasions “if there was enough of Renaissance in the period of Renaissance…” This question was well answered by Pietro Annigoni, who I quote: “Only those who know nothing about art may think that a Style is repeatable in every age. It is the destiny of every artist to strive to say something NEW with an OLD language.” In 2008, my life size portrait of Pope Benedict XVI was officially presented to the Pope upon His Holiness’s arrival in the United States. Two years later, I received a call from the Papal Nuncio in Washington, D.C. with the news that my papal portrait arrived in America to exhibit in Vatican Splendors, the North American museum tour from the Vatican Collection. The Vatican Splendors exhibition consists of almost 200 objects representing 2,000 years of the Vatican’s history. They include historic works of art, important period documents, even the relics of St. Peter. The significant part of the exhibition are paintings, sculptures and other works of art; as well as the Papal portraits, with my portrait representing the Papacy of Pope Benedict XVI. At the opening of Vatican Splendors I approached the Vatican Curator Roberto Zagnoli to thank him for selecting my work for such an important exhibition and he replied: “No, no, no, Maestro, the Pope chose it!” That was, of course, a huge honor. Some of the artists’ works on the exhibition include the works of Michelangelo, Giotto, Bernini, Guerchino, Vasari and many other Masters of the Renaissance, and I was humbled to be the only living artist there. The 2000-year impact of the Vatican in art history is unquestionably immense and impressive, with the majority of its artists being Italians, and I’m proud to be among such a distinguished group and company of Masters in the history of art. The Vatican Splendors exhibition moved to the John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, and then the Fine Arts Museum in Ft. Lauderdale until May 2011, when it returned back to the Vatican. Igor Babailov at work on the portrait of Pope Benedict XVI On another note, some of my famous Italian American portrait subjects included: Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York, actor James Gandolfini and the most recent portrait of Iraq veteran of war and American Hero, Brendan Marrocco. They all are on my website www.Babailov.com Editor’s Note: PRIMO had the honor of featuring the work of Igor V. Babailov on the cover of our September/October 2001 edition on Christopher Columbus. The painting, oil on canvas, was titled “For Gold, God and Glory.” Artist Babailov is praised by many for his sensitive and detailed portraits of contemporary luminaries in politics and entertainment, as well as a number of spectacular landscape paintings. Please review his latest works at www.Babailov.com Igor Babailov and Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Palace, Vatican

Igor Babailov, All Galleries, Commissioned Portrait Paintings & Drawings, Murals, Sacred Art, Landscapes & Other Works. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA ALL GALLERIES PORTRAITS MURALS SACRED ART OTHER WORKS PRESS & NEWS PRESS GALLERY VATICAN SPLENDORS MASTER - CLASSES

Throughout his life-time career as a portrait painter, Igor Babailov has received numerous awards and honors from Governments, Royalty and his fellow professional artists in art organizations. Awards UP Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA AWARDS and HONORS for Artistic Achievements (Selected Awards) CLICK on the images for information to name a few. SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILS Ellis Island Medal of Honor 2022 Officially recognized by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor ranks as one of the most prestigious awards in America. Recipients of this honor are read into the Congressional Record and include eight U.S. Presidents, several Nobel Prize Laureates, leaders in business, arts, politics, and other. CLICK on the photo George Washington George Washington's Mount Vernon Presidential Award Portrait of George Washington by Igor Babailov. Collection: Mount Vernon. Presented on behalf of George Washington by the President of Mount Vernon. Doctorate Honorary Doctorate Cumberland University 2019 Dr. Paul Stumb, President of Cumberland University ( Photo credit: Krissy Leigh Kimsal ) Igor V. Babailov awarded the distinguished academic degree Doctor of Literary Letters (Honoris Causa) by the historic Cumberland University 2019 Academician Hon. American Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts (est. 1757) "Dear Mr. Babailov, Congratulations to you on your election to the Russian Academy of Arts." ~ Dr. James H. Billington The 13th Librarian of the United States Congress "An Academician is a member of an officially constituted Academy, such as the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757), to be elected to which is a great honor, the pinnacle of the career of a traditional artist." ~ RAA Previous recipients of this honor include designer Pierre Cardin, HRH Princess Chantal of France and American artist, Andrew Wyeth . Knighthood Chevalier of the Order of St. Anne (est.1735) Order of St. Anne, dynastic order of Knighthood, awarded to Igor Babailov by Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, Head of the Imperial House of Romanov and descendant of the Russian, European and British royalty, including Alexander II and Queen Victoria. Malta, 2017 Hereditary Nobility with the Official Coat of Arms Granted to Igor V. Babailov and his family by decree of Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, Head of the Imperial House of Romanov and descendant of the Russian, European and British royalty, including Alexander II and Queen Victoria. 4 November, 2020 Madrid, Spain Vatican Medal Official Bronze Medal of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope St. John Paul II Vatican City Secretariat of State Vatican, 2003 Gen. Petraeus General David H. Petraeus Award "For Excellence" Presented by General David H. Petraeus, U.S. Military Commander, CIA Director, for the work on his portrait for the West Point Academy Museum. Yankee Stadium ~ Official Major League Baseball ~ Award for Portraiture Presented to Igor Babailov at Yankee Stadium, New York City Joe DiMaggio Awards, 2011 Udmurtia Honored Artist of the Udmurt Republic Presented by President of the Udmurt Republic, Ushakov A.A. Senate Award The Tennessee Senate Resolution N69 "To recognize Igor Babailov and celebrate his artistic achievements." Signed into Law by Governor Bill Haslam and presented by Senator Jack Johnson For Service to Art Order 'For Service to Art' (The Golden Star) Presented by the President of the International Academy of Culture and Art, Stronsky P.T. Hon. Academician of the International Academy of Culture and Art Official ceremony in Malta For extended list of Awards and Honors see 'About the Artist'

Portrait of His Royal Highness Prince Andrew The Duke of York, by Igor V. Babailov. Royal Collection: Buckingham Palace, London. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits His Royal Highness Prince Andrew The Duke of York Royal Collection: Buckingham Palace, London Portrait of HRH Prince Andrew The Duke of York (Oil on canvas, 28" x 22") Original Concept & Composition, Copyright © Igor V. Babailov Officially commissioned by the SSMAC Club, New York City Official Portrait Unveiling, 2014 Igor V. Babailov presenting his book Greatest Portrait Moments to HRH Prince Andrew The Duke of York. See an article in London's art magazine Cossone . OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov