Stavru Tarasov

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Stavru Tarasov was a Romanian painter, musician, and teacher. Born in Letea, Tulcea county, he hailed from a family with Zaporozhian Cossack origins. After primary school, he studied at the Normal School in Câmpulung and later at Belle Arte school in Iași, where he became colleagues with artists like Nicolae Tonitza. In 1906-1909, Tarasov attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and then moved to Paris in 1909, later relocating to Brussels in 1911. During this time, he studied at the "Académie des Beaux Arts" and gained recognition for his painting "Morfinomana." In 1914, he traveled to Argentina, participating in the decoration of a local theater. Returning to Romania in 1915, Tarasov served in the military during World War I. In the post-war period, he worked as a drawing teacher in various locations, including Târgu Ocna, Bacău, Tecuci, and Bârlad. Tarasov participated in exhibitions alongside artists like Tonitza, Demian, and Ghiață. In 1928, he settled in Constanța, teaching at the "Normal School" and later at the "Boys' Commercial High School." In 1931, he declined a mural painting commission for the church of St. George-Nou in favor of his friend Nicolae Tonitza. Tarasov continued teaching until his retirement in 1941. In 1945, due to family reasons, Tarasov moved to Brașov, where he continued his artistic endeavors until his passing in 1961. His multifaceted career encompassed painting, music, and education, leaving a lasting impact on the Romanian artistic scene.