A. YA. Kolpashnikov, an academic engraver

Abstract

To commemorate the 275th anniversary of his birth, this paper presents a biography of Alexey Ya. Kolpashnikov (1744–1814), a copper-plate engraver, whose work was closely associated with the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences. The main stages of this outstanding craftsman’s professional life are considered in the broader context of the history of one of the oldest departments of the Academy – the Engraving Chamber. His illustrations supporting numerous scientific writings contributed to popularizing Russian scientific achievements, and his portraits of statesmen and scientists became a noticeable phenomenon of Russian art.