Vasily Grachev
Russian, 1831–1905
Cossack Taking Leave of His Wife, 1850–70
Cast bronze
H. 11 1/8 in. x W. 5 1/2 in. x L. 8 in.
IUAM 94.80

While current searches yield no biographical information for Grachev, his small bronze figure groups are represented in auction houses both in America and Europe. Other examples of his work include Cossack Kissing His Bride Farewell, 1877; Young Maiden Listening to a Muzhik; and Cossacks on Horseback.

This small bronze, almost identical to the group of the Cossack and his bride, was cast by the Woerffel foundry in St. Petersburg, where Grachev seems to have spent most of his career.