Evgraf Chemesov

Born in 1737 in the province of Nizhny Novgorod; died Aug. 30 (Sept. 10), 1765, in St. Petersburg. Russian engraver and draftsman.

Chemesov studied with G. F. Schmidt at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. In 1762 he became an academician and organized an engraving class at the academy. He directed the engraving class from 1762 to 1765. Chemesov’s works, which include engraved, etched, and drypoint portraits, emphasize the subject’s intellect and personality. Marked by confident line and a gentle stroke, they demonstrate Chemesov’s mastery of various graphic techniques. Noteworthy examples are a portrait of F. G. Volkov (engraving, 1764–65), derived from A. P. Losenko’s original, and portraits of I. I. Shuvalov (engraving, 1760) and Empress Elizaveta Petrovna (etching, drypoint, and engraving; 1761), both based on originals by P. Rotari.