Constantine Cherkas

Constantine Cherkas was a renowned Russian artist whose exceptional talent left a lasting mark on the art world, particularly through his masterful landscapes and captivating floral paintings. Born Constantine Cherkasheninoff in Sokol, Russia, in 1919, he demonstrated prodigious artistic ability from a young age, becoming a prolific artist by just nine years old.

At 14, Cherkas began apprenticing under the great Russian Expressionist Ila Mashkov, further honing his skills. His exceptional talent was recognized in 1936 when, at the age of 17, he became the youngest artist ever accepted into the Moscow Academy for the Fine Arts at the advanced graduate level, out of 3,000 finalists. However, his artistic pursuits were temporarily interrupted by World War II when he was captured by the Nazis and forced to work in a prison labor camp.

After the war, Cherkas continued to develop his craft, studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and Vienna. In 1950, with the help of the Tolstoi Foundation, he emigrated to the United States, shortening his last name to Cherkas. A pivotal moment in his career came in 1951 when he befriended Russian painters Nicolai Fechin and Leon Gaspard, fueling his fascination with the American Southwest, especially Taos, New Mexico.

Cherkas’s legacy endures through his paintings, which remain highly sought after. He passed away in 2011, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the world of art. His works continue to be celebrated, and listings of his original paintings are eagerly welcomed by collectors.