As the son of a priest, Sergei Miloradowicz dedicated his creative ability to the history of Russia’s clergy and religious orders. He was particularly drawn to very dramatic subjects to which he was able to give compositional, colouristic and emotional dynamics. In his painting Defending the St Sergius Monastery of the Trinity the artist shows how, protected by icons and the prayers of the hierarchs, the monastery’s defenders are beating off the latest attack by the enemy. Through the powder smoke we can see against the background of a troubled sky the beautiful domes of the Cathedral of the Dormition, which was laid down by Ivan the Terrible.

Miloradowicz Sergei

Miloradowicz, Sergei Dmitrievich
1851 (1852?), Tisovo (Mozhaisky District) – 1943, ?
Painter, teacher; painted scenes fromthe history of Russian Church, monkhood and schism. Entered a religious school where took up drawing for the first time. Studied drawing at the Stroganov School of Art and Industry (1866–1867), studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture (from 1867). Completed an academic course at the Moscow Seminary (1872). Taught at the Moscow Seminary (from 1889). Supernumerary professor of the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture (from 1888?). Professor of the head class of the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture (from 1894). Academician (1909). Member of the Society of Travelling Art Exhibition (from 1894).