Augustin Christian Ritt (1765-1799)

• Was a Russian miniaturist painter.
• Born in Saint Petersburg.
• He was a son of a violinist of the court orchestra.
• Ritt's formal art education began in Antwerp at age 15, studying at the Academy of Antwerp under Andreas Quertemont.
• He then moved to Paris to study at the Académie Royale with François-André Vincent.

• He returned to Saint Petersburg in 1792 due to unrest in Paris and quickly established a successful career as the Imperial Court Painter to Catherine the Great and the succeeding Czars, Paul the First and Alexander the First.

• Ritt was a prolific miniature painter, creating portraits of the Russian imperial family and nobility.

• After his death in 1799, his work continued to be exhibited, including at the Salon of Paris.

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