January 15, 1841 was born Arkhip Kuinji
 

Arkhip Kuinji (15 January 1842 (for a different version of 1841), place Karasu (Karasevka), now within the precincts of Mariupol, Russia Empire - 11 (24) July 1910, St. Petersburg, Russia Empire) - Russian painter, master of landscape painting.
In the history of Russia is difficult to find so original and so very-distinctive nature, the expression of Repin's "genius-inventor, odnolyuba whole life burning fire of love for art and only art ...
As a child - an orphan and poverty, and at the end of life - a vast fortune which he devoted himself to the needs of the native art of the highest artistic glory, the brilliance of this success, which fell slightly to Russian artists.

Arkhip Ivanovich boundless love for art betrayed a note in his vigorous support for the copyright of artists and zealous protection of their works. In the art world knew that all the paintings AI in the account and that nowhere in the sale of any of its stroke. He was an extraordinary zeal and actively pursue all speculators who tried to sell some fake paintings.
I happened to witness one such decisive action Arkhip Ivanovich. Passing one winter in 1904 by the huge windows of a store auction the camera, I automatically stopped and looked out the window. Among the exhibited furniture, mirrors, bronze, various "antiques" and other things I have noticed a very small window now no more open letter in the old deep golden frame. A picture of a fiery red sunset over the sea. The sky was dirty and the water is dark blue. In the right corner it clearly stood out signature in red ink: "A. Kuindzhi"; frame was pasted on a white tab with the number "700 rubles.." I went to the store and asked to complete a good-natured clerk to show me this picture Kuinji. He took her to the window and giving it to me, said that it is - a very valuable original works of the famous artist.
I told the clerk that I know a gentleman who, perhaps, buy this picture, but it is necessary to submit any certificate that it is - indeed a real work of Professor Kuinji.
- Do not worry about, bring your buyer, and I guarantee that'll get a note from the professor Kuindzhi, in which he certifies that this picture - his work ... I know him well, he was frequently in our store ...
I thanked him and left. In this Monday, I met with Arkhip Ivanovich at a meeting of artists and informed him I found the picture.
- What is it? .. Nonsense kind? .. I've never been in the auction stores, and none of my painting is not in selling ... - Outraged Arkhip Ivanovich. We decided on the next day to go to the store.
- You will guide me, as the buyer - he concluded.
About 11 o'clock I went to Arkhip Ivanovich, he was already waiting for me, and we immediately rushed to the cab to the store.
The clerk with a smile, greeted me and looked inquiringly at Arkhip Ivanovich.
- I brought you a buyer at a picture of Professor Kuindzhi ... show it - I said confidently prearranged sentence.
The clerk hurried to get it now, gently wiped it with a soft brush and gave Arkhip Ivanovich. - I beg you not to doubt that it is - a genuine work of Professor Kuindzhi, I at any time can get from him a certificate ... Arkhip Ivanovitch could not resist the role of ...
- The devil knows what! I myself Kuindzhi, and it's not my job!. And you are talking nonsense to me! This is - crude forgery, fraud ... what is this? ..
Steward was quite bewildered, turned red and staring, then transferred them to me, then medium flow Arkhip Ivanovich. He mumbled incoherent words of apology, hinting at some kind of misunderstanding.
- Destroy this abomination now and do not dare to fool buyers - categorically demanded Arkhip Ivanovich.
Without saying a word, the clerk immediately pulled out a picture from the frame and brake plate, on which it was written into several pieces and threw them under the counter. Satisfied Arkhip Ivanovich with me away from the shop ...

I. Vladimirov


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Arkhip Kuinji.

Arkhip Kuinji.

That's what I always wonder if there are auctions of Kuindzhi, they really did not take much and they are known, and about the history of odd jobs during the life of an artist more than once heard, Artem, thanks for the interesting story :)