Kon, Fedor Savelevich

(real surname possibly Ivanov). Dates of birth and death unknown. Russian architect of the late 16th century. Descended from serfs (in the vicinity of Dorogobuzh, present-day Smolensk Oblast).

Kon’ built imposing fortifications, including the stone walls and towers of Belyi Gorod (White City) of Moscow (1585–93, demolished in the 18th century) and the city walls of Smolensk (1595–1602). Several other works, such as the fortress at Borisov Gorodok (the Mozhaiska outpost, 1599, dismantled in the early 19th century), have also been attributed to Kon’. His major fortresses are distinguished by clear and well-planned construction.