Nicholas Vasilieff was a Russian-born American artist known for his works in sculpture, painting, and stage design. He was born in Saratov and studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. Vasilieff emigrated to the United States in 1915 and became a prominent member of the New York art scene. He was known for his abstract sculptures, which were influenced by both Russian Constructivism and American modernism. He also designed sets for several prominent American dance companies, including Martha Graham.