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Questions about Mikhail Vrubel

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When and where was Mikhail Vrubel born?

Mikhail Vrubel was born on the 17th of March 1856 in Omsk. His father Alexander served as a desk officer for the 2nd Steppe Siberian Corps during that time.

What education did Mikhail Vrubel receive before becoming an artist?

Mikhail Vrubel studied at Saint Petersburg State University instead of art school because his family expected him to follow a legal career tradition common among their social circles. He graduated with the lowest scientific degree possible after repeating the second year due to poor grades.

How long did Mikhail Vrubel work restoring St Cyril's Monastery in Kiev?

For five years he completed an enormous number of paintings including murals and icons for St Cyril's church. His contract specified completion of four icons within 76 days earning 300 rubles paid every 24 working days.

Why is The Demon Seated considered significant in Mikhail Vrubel's career?

The painting became most famous among his Demon series yet freest from literary associations. Colors used had brittle crystal-like quality emphasizing lifelessness sterility coldness reflected in surrounding nature.

When did Mikhail Vrubel marry Nadezhda Zabela?

They were engaged on July 28 and held their honeymoon at a guesthouse in Lucerne. They married later that fall 1896 when he took a short contract at Kharkov opera city.