Mikhail Yakovlev was a Russian painter, graphic artist, and art teacher. He was born in Moscow and studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. Yakovlev was a prominent figure of the Russian avant-garde movement and one of the founders of the Jack of Diamonds group. In his early works, Yakovlev was influenced by the French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, particularly Paul Cézanne. Later, he turned to Cubism and Futurism, and he was also interested in the art of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Yakovlev's art is characterized by its vivid colours, dynamic composition, and a synthesis of traditional and modern artistic techniques. During the Soviet period, Yakovlev was an active member of the artistic community, and he continued to experiment with new styles and techniques. However, his works were increasingly criticized by the authorities, and he was eventually arrested in 1937 during Stalin's purges. Yakovlev was sentenced to death and executed in 1942.