Alexander Kokorinov

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Alexander Filippovich Kokorinov (1726-1772) was one of the founding fathers of the Russian Academy of Arts. He was born in Siberia in the family of an architect attached to one of Demidov factories. Kokorinov studied in Tobolsk before joining the classes of Dmitry Ukhtomsky in Moscow. Patronized by the powerful Razumovsky family, he designed the Razumovsky Palace in St Petersburg (1762-66) and Petrovskoe-Razumovskoe manor near Moscow (1752-53).

In 1769, Kirill Razumovsky secured his appointment to the deanship in the Imperial Academy of Arts, a position which Kokorinov took on with vigor and enthusiasm. He succeeded in greatly improving curriculum and instruction and oversaw the construction of the majestic building for the Academy across the river from Winter Palace. However, his rival Ivan Betskoy set up a commission to investigate alleged misuse of public funds during construction works, and Kokorinov is said to have died from distress on hearing the news.