1864 Adolf Charlemagne 1826-1901 Imperial Academy, Antique Original Oil Painting

Details

Description

Original 1864 Oil Painting by Adolf Jossifowitsch Charlemagne – Russian Imperial Artist – Carriage Scene on Metal

Up for sale … Read more Original 1864 Oil Painting by Adolf Jossifowitsch Charlemagne – Russian Imperial Artist – Carriage Scene on Metal

Up for sale is a very rare and historically significant 19th-century original oil painting on metal panel, depicting a charming carriage ride through the countryside. This exceptional work is signed “Ad. Charlemagne” and dated 1864 in the lower left corner.

Adolf Jossifowitsch (Iosifovich) Charlemagne (1826–1901) - a renowned Russian Imperial artist, officially titled Artist of His Imperial Majesty Alexander II.

Housed in an ornate antique gold frame, this painting presents a beautifully preserved glimpse into 19th-century Russian aristocratic life and showcases Charlemagne’s fine detail, balance of composition, and expressive brushwork.

Details:

Medium: Oil on metal panel

Signature: Signed and dated lower left “Ad. Charlemagne, 1864”

Framed Dimensions: 18.5" x 14.5"

Painting Dimensions: 14" x 11"

Condition: The painting is in good antique condition with gentle signs of age; no major damage observed. Frame has light wear, commensurate with age. Please review all photos as part of the description.

Presented in an antique ornate gold frame, this richly detailed painting is a beautiful and rare example of Russian Imperial art in miniature format.

About the Artist: Adolf Jossifowitsch Charlemagne (1826–1901)

Adolf Jossifowitsch Charlemagne was a celebrated Russian artist, honored with the prestigious title Artist of His Imperial Majesty Alexander II. His works have been featured in the Tretyakov Gallery, and reside in the State Russian Museum, the Pushkin Museum, and other major collections.

Born in St. Petersburg, he was the younger brother of artist Josef Josefovich Charlemagne and came from a noted Franco-Russian artistic lineage. He studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts from 1848, where he trained under Feodor Bruni (historical painting) and Bogdan Villevalde (battle painting). During his studies, he was awarded several silver and gold medals.

In 1855, Charlemagne received a prestigious travel stipend and studied in Munich with battle painter Alexander Kotzebue, then in Paris, before returning to Russia in 1861. He was named Academician for his series on General Suvorov and later painted a famous image of Catherine the Great in Falconet’s workshop—acquired by Empress Maria Alexandrovna, earning him the title of Professor in 1867.

From the 1870s, he also designed official securities and bonds for the Imperial government and created many widely published historical illustrations. His artistic career reflects both imperial prestige and public influence, and his surviving works are rare collector’s items.

Academic Background

Educated at the Imperial Academy of Arts, where he studied historical painting with Fyodor Bruni and battle scenes with Bogdan Willewalde.

During his studies, he earned multiple silver and gold medals for artistic excellence.

European Studies & Career

In 1855, Charlemagne was awarded a travel stipend and continued his training in Munich under Alexander Kotzebue (renowned for battle painting).

He later studied historical canvases at Versailles in Paris, honing his classical and narrative style.

Professorship & Official Commissions

Returned to Russia in 1861, where he painted for the Page Corps and created ceiling murals for aristocratic estates.

In 1867, his painting of Catherine the Great with Falconet was acquired by Empress Maria Alexandrovna, earning him the title Professor.

Illustration & Graphic Design

From 1871, Charlemagne designed imperial securities, bonds, and other official state documents—merging fine art with early graphic design.

Museum Collections


Today, Charlemagne’s work is housed in several prestigious institutions, including:

The Tretyakov Gallery

The State Russian Museum

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

Numerous private collections of 19th-century Russian Imperial art

Free Insured Shipping from FloridaProfessionally packed and shipped with care. Additional photos available upon request.
Please note:
Actual colors may vary slightly due to lighting and screen settings. We sell antique items which may show signs of age—please review all photos carefully and reach out with any questions before purchase. See less