Troika. Bronze gilded sculpture after the model of V. Ya. Grachev on a malachite stand, stand 27.5×19 cm.
Vasily Yakovlevich Grachev was born in 1831 into a family of simple peasants, but during his 74-year life he managed to become one of the famous sculptors of Russia. The creative activity of V. Ya. Grachev began with the fact that in childhood he was sent to study with a specialist in coinage V. Andreev. The study took place in St. Petersburg and lasted six years.
Later, Grachev entered the apprenticeship with silversmiths, among whom was I.S. Sazikov. During this period, Grachev became seriously interested in sculpture. The sculptor created his models from wax for such famous manufacturers as K.F. Werfel or I.P. Khlebnikov. He also worked as a chaser at P.A. Ovchinnikova, I.P. Sazikova, V.I. Safronov and a number of other well-known firms in the country. It was under the hallmarks of these factories that most of Grachev’s works were produced, cast in bronze or silver sculptures.
Seated Cossack examining his dagger. Bronze sculpture by the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev, height 11.5 cm. St. Petersburg.
At the age of 54, Grachev managed to get on his feet and become famous enough to open his own workshop. Over the years, he repeatedly presented his work at various exhibitions and returned from there with well-deserved awards. V. Ya. Grachev liked to create sculptural compositions dedicated to military themes that were popular at that time or subjects involving horses. When reproducing people and animals, the sculptor paid great attention to detail, carefully processed every detail, so his sculptures are distinguished by great expressiveness and realistic plot.
Since the 1830s, the fashion for the so-called cabinet sculpture has been widespread in Russia. These could be bronze or silver writing utensils, miniature frames, bells, figurines, or other things purchased for practical purposes or to decorate an office. Grachev was one of the best masters who worked in the genre of cabinet sculpture in Russia.
Young Lovers. Silver-plated bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg.Aleut feeding dogs with fish. Bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 16 cm.Jumping Circassian. Bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Length 44 cm.A couple riding a horse descending a slope. Bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 35 cm.“Rushing troika and peasant sleigh”. Bronze sculpture of the Werfel factory based on the model of V.Ya. Grachev. Light brown patina, height 40 cm. The sculpture by Vasily Yakovlevich Grachev perfectly conveys a realistic sense of movement and action. Three horses nervous about the peasant sleigh, as well as a nobleman in a troika and a coachman create an incredibly vivid feeling of what is happening.Dzhigitovka. (Cossack standing on a horse with a raised whip). Bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 38 cm.Loving Cossacks. Bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Length 31 cm.Kyrgyz herdsman with a lasso. Bronze according to the model of V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 22 cm.Jumping Circassians. Bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 40 cm.Lovers. Bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 24 cm.Paperweight Resting Cossack on a stand made of rock crystal. Bronze according to the model of V. Ya. Grachev. Height 8 cm.Hunter with two greyhounds. Patinated bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 44 cm.Ivan the Terrible on horseback. Bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 31 cm.Equestrian group Milestone. Patinated bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. 1877 Length 41 cm.Minstrel on a horse. Bronze of the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Length 41 cm.Two bronze figures of warriors. Bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 27 and 25 cm.A couple on skates. Crystal, bronze according to the model of V. Ya. Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 32 cm.Musician and his girlfriend. Bronze from the factory of K. F. Werfel, modeled by Vasily Yakovlevich Grachev. St. Petersburg. Height 33 cm.
