Biography

Marie Vassilieff, born Mariya Ivanovna Vassilieva in 1884 in Smolensk, Russia, was a notable Russian-born painter and set designer who made significant contributions to the Parisian art scene in the early 20th century. After studying at the Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts, she moved to Paris to further her education at the École des Beaux-Arts, where she was influenced by Henri Matisse. Vassilieff became an integral part of the Montparnasse art community, co-founding the Academie Russe in 1910 and later establishing her own school, the Academie Vassilieff. Her studio, located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, became a cultural hub for artists during World War I, where she famously converted it into a canteen offering affordable meals to fellow artists. This initiative helped foster a sense of community and support among the creative minds of the time. Vassilieff's work is characterized by its vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, reflecting her Russian heritage and the avant-garde influences she encountered in Paris. She passed away in 1957 in Nogent-sur-Marne, France. Today, her legacy continues through Villa Vassilieff, which has served as a gallery and museum, preserving her impact on the art world.