A Life of Portraiture and Movement
Savely Sorin was a painter and draftsperson born in Polatsak, Belarus. His artistic journey began in Odessa, where he studied at the school of fine arts under Kiriak Kostandi. He later moved to the Imperial Academy, training in the studio of Ilya Repin. Sorin’s talent was recognized early when he received the title of artist and a scholarship to study in Paris, following his success with the work Inspired Minute, which depicted the actress Eleonora Duse.
As a portraitist, Sorin became known for capturing prominent figures of the cultural and artistic world. His subjects included:
His work was exhibited in various international locations, including Paris, London, New York, Chicago, and Moscow.
Exhibitions and Legacy
Throughout his career, Sorin’s work was featured in several prestigious exhibitions, such as the Salon d’Automne in Paris and the International Exhibition in Pittsburgh. He spent significant time in Paris and later moved to New York, where he continued to paint. His portraits of members of the British royal family, including the Duchess of York and Princess Elizabeth, are held at Clarence House.
Sorin’s artistic output was diverse, ranging from portraits of the social elite to illustrations of works by Gorki. His paintings are preserved in various permanent collections, including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Musée National d’art moderne in Paris. He died in New York City.
