Origins & Early Life

Alexander Porfyrovych Archipenko (30 May [O.S. 18 May] 1887 – 25 February 1964) was a Ukrainian-American avant-garde artist, sculptor, and graphic artist, active in France and the United States. He was one of the first to apply the principles of Cubism to architecture, analyzing human figures into geometrical forms. Alexander Archipenko was born in Kyiv (Russian Empire, now Ukraine) on 30 May 1887, to Porfiry Antonowych Archipenko and Poroskowia Vassylivna Machowa Archipenko; he was the younger brother of Eugene Archipenko.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His father, Porfiry, was an engineer and inventor who worked as a professor at Kyiv University, but also drew icons as a hobby on the side. Porfiry himself likely learned this from his father, who also painted icons. However, the family encouraged Oleksandr to pursue a scientific profession, instead of art. He initially studied at the Gottlieb Walker Men's Gymnasium No. 7 in Kyiv.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On 24 September 1902, Porfiry requested admission for his son, Oleksandr, to the third academic year of the Kyiv Art School (KKhU), which was granted permission to happen. On 12 January 1902, Oleksandr requested permission to transfer to the sculpture department...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Borodin — Contemporary (Died in 1887) (1887): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• Alvin Hansen — Contemporary (Born in 1887) (1887): Influential American economist, known as "the American Keynes" for popularizing Keynesian theory.
• Arthur Percival — Contemporary (Born in 1887) (1887): British Army officer, known for commanding forces during the Malayan Campaign and the fall of Singapore.
• Abedi Pele — Contemporary (Born in 1964) (1964): Legendary Ghanaian footballer, celebrated for his attacking prowess and leadership.
• Adam Yauch — Contemporary (Born in 1964) (1964): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Andy Hug — Contemporary (Born in 1964) (1964): Legendary Swiss kickboxer known for his unique, powerful, and acrobatic striking style.
• Agnès Varda — Shared historical date (05-30 · Born) (1928): Pioneering French filmmaker, artist, and documentarian celebrated for her unique vision.
• Alexander Pope — Shared historical date (05-30 · Died) (1744): Master satirist of the Augustan Age, renowned for wit and poetic precision.
• Albrecht von Wallenstein — Shared historical date (02-25 · Died) (1634): Bohemian military leader and statesman, key figure in the Thirty Years' War.
• Benedetto Croce — Shared historical date (02-25 · Born) (1866): Italian idealist philosopher, historian, and political liberal.
• 1887 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1887
• May 30 (05-30) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 30
• 1964 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1964
• February 25 (02-25) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 25