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Pericles XidiasRussian Soviet artist, graphic artist, engraver
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Accomplishments in Engraving
- Contributions to Currency and Postage
- Postage Stamp Designs
- - РСФСР
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Pericles Xydiadis was born to Greek parents on July 13, 1872. As a former Greek citizen, he enrolled in the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg from 1889 to 1893 under the tutelage of renowned artist I.P. Pozhalsotin. His exceptional talent was recognized in 1891 when he received both the second and first silver medals in the academy's nature class.
Accomplishments in Engraving
Xydiadis achieved great success in engraving. In 1897, his masterful engraving of "Portrait of A.F. Kokorinov" earned him the title of "Artist." He went on to become an academician in 1906. Xydiadis' works were prominently featured in the spring exhibitions of the Academy of Arts, where he was a member of the Society named after A.I. Kuindzhi.
Contributions to Currency and Postage
A significant portion of Xydiadis' artistic career was dedicated to the creation of state banknotes and postage stamps. He played a pivotal role at the Expedition for the Procurement of State Papers and Goznak, eventually becoming its director. Among his notable contributions were the designs for the first postage stamps of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, including the iconic "Hand with a Sword Breaking the Chain."
Postage Stamp Designs
Xydiadis' designs for postage stamps depicted various themes, reflecting the socio-political landscape of the time. Here is a list of selected works by Xydiadis according to the TsFA catalog:
- РСФСР
- 1918 - No. 1, "Hand with a Sword Breaking the Chain"- 1918 - No. 2, Same design
- 1921 - No. 7, "Liberated Proletarian"
- 1922 - No. 18, Overprint on No. 7
- 1922 - No. 23, Overprint on No. 7
- 1922 - No. 32-34, "Aid to the Population"
- 1922 - No. 35-37, Same design
- СССР
- 1927 - No. 298, "10th Anniversary of October. Smolny in the October Days"
Legacy
Pericles Xydiadis died in 1942. He left behind a notable legacy as a skilled engraver and a significant contributor to the design of Russian currency and postage stamps. His works continue to hold historical and artistic value.
