LEOPOLD SINAYEFF BERNSTEIN Lithuania 1868 - 1944 Male bust Signed Bernstein Sinayeff on the back Bronze, h 30 cm Provenance: Rome, private collection After studying drawing at the Vilnius Drawing School in his home town, Leopold Sinaeff-Bernstein moved to Paris at the age of fourteen, where he continued his artistic training under Aimé-Jules Dalou and Auguste Rodin, specialising in sculpture at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1890 he exhibited at the Salon Élysée, achieving great success and winning a silver medal, as well as numerous commissions for bronze and marble busts of important personalities. In 1900 he was awarded a gold medal for his works presented at the Universal Exhibition and the following year he received the Legion of Honour. Also in 1900, he visited Russia, where he met Lev Tolstoy and later produced a medal dedicated to him. His works are now preserved in several museums, including the Russian State Museum in St. Petersburg.