Seryakov Avksentevich Lawrence (1865-1911)

Endowed with great talent, LA Seryakov unusually much to develop in Russia woodcuts - woodcuts. Before him, this technique is considered secondary, not going to any comparison with classic engraving on copper. Block printing was used mainly publishers, because it allows you to print illustrations and typesetting text to one lane. It Seryakov fundamentally changed the way on this very old technique of engraving. For the consummate skill he was the first in Russia was awarded the title of academician of the woodcut. Thanks to the selfless work and the work of students educated Seryakov woodcut take its rightful place among the other arts.

The childhood and youth of the future artist was bleak. The son of a serf, is given to the landlord as a soldier, he belonged to the so-called military department, that is doomed for life drudge lower rank. Saved Seryakov natural talent and stubborn character.

In 1840, he gets to St. Petersburg for a good handwriting clerk was transferred to the Department of military settlements. It is here Seryakov seriously addicted to reading and drawing. Masterfully executed them drawings attracted the attention of the authorities, and after a short training course the young man was identified surveyor.

By pursuits woodcuts Seryakov addressed independently. Tools for work he did not have, and most of his first prints - illustrations for the book "Around the World" (1846) - he sliced ​​the ordinary penknife. These works have contributed to some fame Seryakov among publishers and writers. Through Odoevskii for which Seryakov fulfilled the plan of his estate, the novice carver met with NV Dollmaker. Last played an extremely important role in the life of Seryakov by entering it in the circle of famous artists, writers and actors. It Puppeteer, astonished that his fine engravings Seryakov carries a pocket knife, sent to him special tools - graver shapes. Puppeteer, contrary to the will of his superiors Seryakov helped the young man to get permission to attend classes at the Academy.

The first real teacher Seryakov in the woodcut was K. Klodt, brother of the famous sculptor, the head of a small engraving shop. Seryakov and became close friends with this talented family.
support rendered to him as vice-president of the Academy of Arts FP Tolstoy and Rector B. K. Shebuev , professor of historical painting by F. And Bruni .

The first attempt to get the title of Academician in the spring of 1858 was unsuccessful. However Seryakov Arts Council asks permission to perform as a new program track "Christ Carrying the Cross" from the eponymous painting del Piombo, and yet allow him to go to Paris for Excellence.

In autumn 1858 Seryakov went to France. In Russia, he returned six years later, in addition to visiting France Switzerland, Italy and Germany. Seryakov came not only a brilliant master, but European celebrity. His work is published in a lot of one of the oldest French magazines "Magazine Pittoresque". In the years 1859-60. in Paris, published "History of France" P. Shartona for which Seryakov nagraviroval a series of portraits.